2007 News Archive

Moldovan Farmers to receive winter wheat and winter barley seeds from the US Government

September 14, 2007

U.S. Charge d’Affaires Kelly Keiderling participates in ceremony of seed distribution

Drought-stricken farmers in Orhei, Soldanesti, Telenesti, Singerei and Rezina will received seeds for fall planting as part of an immediate U.S. Government assistance project worth $350,000 to help alleviate the consequences of this summer’s drought on Moldovan small-scale growers. U.S. Charge d’Affaires Kelly Keiderling, Moldovan Vice Minister of Agriculture Stefan Calancea, local officials and farmers were present at the ceremony marking the beginning of this project seed distribution at Peresecina village Hajiu Cooperative warehouse. A total of 325 farmers will be receiving 25 tons of winter wheat and barley at the Hajiu Cooperative warehouse. 

Representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Ministry of Agriculture, local authorities and mass media will be attending the event.   When all the seeds are distributed, 800-1000 smaller-scale growers in the above raions will have received up to 518 tons of winter wheat and 100 tons of winter barley seeds.  Drought and other climatic events have severely impacted Moldovan agricultural production in 2007. The reduced yields in Fall and Spring crops have affected especially small-scale farmers who do not have reserves and access to finance.