Farmers demand state of emergency in Moldovan agriculture
The Farmers' Strength Association asserts that the Government's allocation of 100 million lei in aid for farmers is insufficient and maintains that the only viable solution is to declare a state of emergency in agriculture.
The Association's representatives have requested a meeting with President Maia Sandu, Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu, and members of the special parliamentary commission. Should these demands not be met, the farmers have warned of potential protests at both the regional and national levels.
In a letter addressed to the Presidency and Parliament on Wednesday, August 21, the Farmers' Strength Association emphasised that while the 100 million lei aid announced by the Government of the Republic of Moldova may appear substantial to an ordinary citizen, when divided among the thousands of farmers on the brink of bankruptcy, it amounts to minimal and ineffective financial support. According to the farmers, this aid "will not even cover half of the accumulated costs associated with legal fees, court executors, or penalties for late debt payments faced by micro, small, or medium-sized farmers."
"The only effective solution for all parties is, first and foremost, to declare a state of emergency in agriculture, thereby halting the calculation of late payment penalties and stopping the process of forced debt collection. Following this, measures should be implemented to stabilise the financial situation in both the short and long term, including seeking financial aid from external partners and issuing state guarantees for refinancing," the letter from the Association states.
In this context, the farmers urge Parliament to intervene and declare a state of emergency in agriculture.
"We demand a meeting within seven days with President Maia Sandu, Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu, and members of the special parliamentary commission. Failing this, we believe regional and national protests by farmers are inevitable. These farmers, who have nothing left to lose, will take to the streets not just with economic slogans," the letter from the Farmers' Strength Association further states.
Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday, August 20, following discussions with farmers, that the Government might provide 100 million lei to compensate for the losses caused by this summer's drought. However, farmers report that in the districts of Cahul, Cantemir, and Vulcănești alone, the losses for first-group crops are estimated at 135 million lei.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
