From June 23 to 25, 2025, Baden-Württemberg's Minister for Food, Rural Areas, and Consumer Protection, Peter Hauk, traveled to Moldova together with a delegation from business and science. The aim of the trip was to deepen existing contacts, explore new opportunities for cooperation, and gain insights into the challenges and potential of Moldovan agriculture.

The trip was organized by AgrarKontakte International e.V. (AKI) in close cooperation with the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas, and Consumer Protection of Baden-Württemberg. In Moldova, the delegation was welcomed by the German Embassy in Chișinău and accompanied by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Moldova.

Challenges and Potential of Moldovan Agriculture
Despite the fertile black soil (Chernozem), Moldovan agriculture faces significant challenges: Many farms are small-scale, lack modern agricultural machinery, and often still use outdated cultivation methods. In addition, there are marketing difficulties, an increasing shortage of skilled workers, and the effects of climate change, particularly in the form of drought periods. At the same time, the country offers great potential, especially for exporting high-quality agricultural products such as wine, fruit, and vegetables to the EU.

Stations of the Delegation Trip
On the very first day, the delegation visited the traditional Asconi Winery and learned about successful diversification approaches. In addition to wine production, Asconi operates a tourism complex with a hotel, restaurants, and one of the largest swimming pools in the country.

The second day focused on discussions with Moldova's Minister of Agriculture, Ludmila Catlabuga, and the Ministry's Secretary-General, Sergiu Gherciu. Various cooperation opportunities were discussed – ranging from training programs for farmers to improving the marketing of Moldovan products in Europe and the establishment of machinery rings based on the German model.

Another highlight was the visit to a modern cherry plantation in Hîncești, which successfully exports its products to the EU. The National Institute for Applied Research in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Chișinău also opened its doors to the delegation.

The final day included company visits to Kaufland Moldova and the sugar producer Südzucker, both of which have German roots and make an important contribution to strengthening the regional economy.

Areas for Cooperation

• Training Programs for Moldovan Farmers: The need for knowledge exchange and the acquisition of modern agricultural practices was explicitly emphasized by Minister Catlabuga during discussions with Minister Hauk. In collaboration with the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas, and Consumer Protection, AKI has already developed a draft training program for Moldovan farmers, which has been submitted to the Moldovan Ministry of Agriculture. The program not only aims to teach modern cultivation methods but also to strengthen farmers' ability to advocate for their interests.
• Marketing and Branding: There is an urgent need for action to increase the visibility and market success of Moldovan agricultural products in European markets.
• Machinery Rings and Cooperatives: The machinery ring model has generated great interest. Initial discussions on possible implementation are already underway.
• Agri-Photovoltaics: In light of high energy prices, the combination of agriculture and photovoltaics could play an important role in increasing energy independence.

Results and Outlook
The delegation trip has further strengthened the partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Moldova in the agricultural sector. The discussions on-site highlighted both the great potential and the structural challenges of Moldovan agriculture. AKI will continue to pursue the initiated projects together with local partners and provide targeted support.