Soroca farmers cut risks via canning factory partnership
Amid the market uncertainty that many farmers are experiencing, the Stempovschi family from Soroca has discovered a solution that provides them with stability. They cultivate vegetables on three hectares of land, and their entire harvest is sold to a local cannery. The farmers emphasize that this collaboration is far more convenient and predictable than selling directly in the market.
Ion Stempovschi started his business in 2020, beginning with just one hectare of land. With a grant of 320,000 lei from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the farmer was able to purchase equipment and expand his cultivated area.
"We started with only one hectare of land, which was very challenging. We had a motoblock and a back-mounted sprinkler, and slowly, we began to expand. Now, we have three hectares, where we grow eggplants, onions, and pumpkins, and we procure quality seeds. Nowadays, labor is very complicated, especially with lifting and loading. We really wanted to acquire equipment that would assist us with loading and unloading," explains Ion Stempovschi.
Due to the labor shortage, the entire family is involved in fieldwork.
"After work, we all get involved as much as we can. We help our husband with harvesting, sorting, and documentation. We decided to stay in the country to develop and grow, proving that something can be accomplished at home too," says Cristina Stempovschi.
"After school, I like to help my parents because they can't do it alone. My older brother always helps me in my free time," she adds.
The farmer does not sell vegetables at the market.
"We have contracts signed since winter with a canning factory in the city of Soroca, so we know for sure that our production will reach consumers," states Ion Stempovschi.
The Stempovschi family's example demonstrates that agriculture has a future. Watch the entire story on Sunday at 2:00 PM on “Land and People” airing on Moldova 1 TV.
