Moldova boosts sheep and goat milk production with new subsidies
For the first time this year, Moldovan farmers received direct payments for each kilogram of sheep and goat milk produced.
The total value of the subsidies exceeded 2.3 million lei (approximately 118,190 euro). According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, only 29 applications were submitted, a surprisingly low number. While farmers have expressed interest in accessing these subsidies, many are unable to meet the stringent requirements.
Dmitrii Manol, a goat farmer from Comrat, established his farm in 2020 and currently maintains a herd of approximately 130 goats. Mr. Manol explained that he was able to launch his business through a combination of loans and government subsidies. He received subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry last year, which he used to purchase animal feed. However, he was unable to apply for this year's milk production subsidies due to the new requirements.
"There are certain requirements that not everyone can meet," Mr. Manol stated. "Last year, for example, when they offered subsidies per animal, I complied and insured the goats. What else was required? It was necessary to have an LLC (Limited Liability Company), which I do. All animals had to be tagged and vaccinated, according to the veterinary requirements. All of them were met. This year, the requirements for the 5 lei per litre milk subsidy are unrealistic for me because I have nowhere to store the milk. I sell milk and, like our grandparents used to, I immediately make cheese from it.”
Iurie Scripnic, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, confirmed that 15 sheep breeders and 14 goat keepers accessed the subsidies this year. Most applicants were from the southern and central regions of the country. According to Mr. Scripnic, a total of 213 tons of sheep milk and 316 tons of goat milk were subsidised. The objective of this aid is to increase milk production and ensure the country's food security.
"The number of applicants is low," Mr. Scripnic admitted. "Therefore, in every discussion with farmers' associations specialising in sheep and goat milk production, we encourage members to formalise their operations. This includes registering as a peasant household or a limited liability company and obtaining the necessary authorizations to apply for these subsidies through AIPA (Agency for Intervention and Payments for Agriculture). We prioritise support for registered and authorised farms."
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry announced its intention to boost farm productivity and ensure food security through these per-kilogram milk subsidies. While last year's program focused solely on cow milk, this summer, the initiative was expanded to include sheep and goat milk, offering a subsidy of five lei per kilogram.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
