On March 14, 2025, AKI accompanied a high-ranking delegation from the Republic of Moldova, led by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Ms. Ludmila Catlabuga, during their visit to Baden-Württemberg. The visit took place at the invitation of the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection of Baden-Württemberg (MLR).

In addition to the Minister, the delegation included Ms. Ina Butucel, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry, Mr. Alexandru Vlasenco, Consul of the Republic of Moldova for Economy, Trade and Tourism, as well as other high-ranking representatives of the Moldovan diplomatic corps in Germany. On behalf of the MLR, the delegation was received by Minister Peter Hauk and accompanied by Ministerial Director Isabel Kling, Head of the Agriculture Department Dr. Konrad Rühl, and Policy Advisor for Agricultural and European Affairs Maëlenn Redien.

There are already excellent foundations for successful cooperation in the agricultural sector between the Republic of Moldova and the state of Baden-Württemberg. Both regions are comparable in terms of size and climate, are strongly shaped by agriculture, have a well-developed wine industry, and share historical ties dating back to the late 18th century.

The meeting, however, focused on looking ahead. Moldova – a young, independent state bordering Romania and Ukraine – continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of nearly fifty years of Soviet rule. Major challenges include outdated infrastructure, limited markets for agricultural products, and inadequate capacities for processing agricultural goods. The modernization of agriculture and access to new technologies are therefore top priorities for the Moldovan Ministry of Agriculture.

The delegation showed great interest in the presentation of the Maschinenring Unterland (Farmers’ Machinery Ring) in Weinsberg. The Maschinenring is a successful example of self-help and self-organization among agricultural enterprises, aiming to provide shared access to equipment and services in an economically sustainable way. This model has great potential for adaptation to Moldova’s situation, where access to resources and technology remains very limited.

In the afternoon, the program included visits to two exemplary agricultural enterprises: the Fellbacher Weingärtner eG winery and the Schwaderer dairy farm in Backnang. Both farms are known for their excellent organization, use of state-of-the-art technology, and wide-ranging diversification. Fellbacher Weingärtner operates not only modern production facilities but also a cozy wine shop with tastings. Around 60% of their wines are sold directly on-site. The Schwaderer farm is similarly diverse: in addition to a milk vending machine with 24/7 access, the farm also features an event hall for weddings and gatherings – always offering regional products made on the farm. This diversity of agricultural business models in Germany provides valuable inspiration for the development of Moldova's agricultural sector.

To conclude the visit, AKI – represented by Deputy Chairman Siegfried Schwab and General Manager Tatiana Dettmer – presented AKI’s internship program in the field of education. The possibility of expanding the program to Moldova was discussed.

Farmers in Moldova continue to struggle with the legacy of the former planned economy: outdated equipment, limited access to modern technology, and low investment capacity. The AKI internship program addresses these challenges by offering young people practical experience, exposure to modern technologies, and an understanding of sustainable agriculture. The program draws on more than 30 years of experience and collaboration with various countries around the world. Participants spend half a year in Germany, deepening their professional knowledge, learning German, and gaining intercultural experience. Often, long-term connections to Germany are established through this pathway, leading to future collaborations and joint projects.

The program attracted great interest from both the Moldovan delegation and the MLR. Once Moldova’s curricula are adapted, implementation on the ground would be possible. Tatiana Dettmer will present the program at the Technical University of Moldova in Chisinau at the end of May. The goal is to welcome the first Moldovan interns to Germany starting in 2026.

Another focus of the Moldovan delegation was the professional training of Moldovan farmers in Germany. In cooperation with the German-Moldovan Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD Moldova), the Moldovan Ministry of Agriculture is currently establishing a network of "Centers of Advisory Services in Agricultural and Rural Areas." The participating farmers aim to deepen their knowledge in two specific areas:

1. Subject-Specific Agricultural Knowledge
   Depending on their focus (e.g., livestock farming, crop production, viticulture, horticulture, organic farming), participants are to gain practical insights into modern agricultural methods, farm management, and innovation.
2. Advocacy and Organization
   The goal is to strengthen participants in their roles as representatives of other farmers. This includes skills in advocacy, political dialogue, and organizing farmers' associations and producer groups.

AKI is also happy to support Moldova in this area and looks forward to contributing to the further strengthening of bilateral agricultural relations between Baden-Württemberg and the Republic of Moldova.