Farmers in Moldova are set to receive a significant boost as the Administration of the Environmental Fund (AFM) announced the launch of the "Rabla for Tractors" program, starting May 12, 2025. This initiative will allow farmers to register for funding for one week or until the allocated budget is exhausted, with a total of 500 million lei earmarked for this session.
To take advantage of this funding, farmers must upload several key documents to the AFM's online application. These include a funding request, a valid ID, a fiscal attestation certificate regarding payments to the state budget, a fiscal attestation certificate regarding local taxes, and a producer certificate. This program aims to support agricultural producers in purchasing new, less polluting tractors and self-propelled agricultural machinery, along with related agricultural accessories.
Notably, the program also includes funding for ATVs, UTVs, and agricultural drones, a move that could modernize the equipment available to farmers. The aid intensity for this program is set at 65% of the purchase value of the new tractor or self-propelled agricultural machinery. For young farmers, this aid intensity increases to 80%, making it more accessible for the next generation of agricultural producers.
However, there are conditions attached to receiving this aid. Applicants must provide a used vehicle for scrapping and cover their own contribution. Additionally, the total purchase value of the tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine, including accessories, cannot exceed the equivalent of 55,000 euros, VAT included.
Despite these positive developments, the agricultural sector in Moldova faces significant challenges. Vlad Filat, a prominent political figure, recently highlighted the precarious state of agriculture, stating that despite billions of dollars in investments, the sector is on the brink of crisis. He warned that fruit exports, the only sector currently showing resilience, are projected to decline by at least 10% in the first quarter of 2025.
Filat expressed grave concerns that total agricultural production in 2025 could hit its lowest level in the last 15 years. His comments come on the heels of a troubling trend: in 2024 alone, 31,000 individuals left agricultural activities, leading to job losses predominantly in rural areas. The abandonment of so-called European villages has raised alarms about the future of Moldova’s agricultural landscape.
"Agriculture is not just an economic sector. It is the foundation of the food industry, accounting for 45% of total exports, and it is the heart of Moldova's villages. If we allow it to die, we are closing the curtain on half the country," Filat stated, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.
In light of these challenges, Filat has called on the government to take immediate action, proposing a series of concrete measures. He urged the declaration of a state of emergency in agriculture, which would enable rapid assessment and compensation mechanisms for affected farmers. Additionally, he suggested implementing compensatory subsidies for farmers impacted by recent frost events and establishing zero-interest credit lines guaranteed by the state for the rehabilitation of plantations and preparation for the upcoming season.
Filat's proposals reflect a growing recognition that the agricultural crisis extends beyond just farmers; it touches on the broader economy, job security, and the future of rural communities in Moldova. He asserted, "This is not just about farmers. It is about the economy of Moldova, about jobs, about the future of our villages, and about the future of the Republic of Moldova. If the government does not understand this, it means they need to leave immediately!"
The AFM's "Rabla for Tractors" program represents a crucial step towards revitalizing the agricultural sector, but the looming challenges highlighted by Filat underscore the need for comprehensive and immediate governmental support. As the registration date approaches, farmers will be watching closely to see how these initiatives unfold and whether the government will heed the urgent calls for action.