OREANDA-NEWS. March 11, 2011. The Moldovan farmer associations are demanding the increase of the farmers support fund to 500 million leis from the government. Seven farmer associations held a press conference being concerned about the draft law on 2011 budget published on the website of the Ministry of Finance, stipulating allocation of 250 million leis for subsidies.

Alexandr Slusari, President of the Agricultural Producers Associations Union of Moldova ”UniAgroProtect” said the experience of the year of 2010 had shown a high potential of the agricultural sector in Moldova. After a quite successful harvest sale campaign, some financial stock and investment sources were formed. But if the state doesn’t help this sector, investment attraction and modernization will remain problems. “Farmers’ expectations were much higher. Establishment of the 250 million leis financing funds demonstrates underestimation of the industry’s potential”, Slusar said.

The specialized organizations sent a letter to the government with a request to increase the subsidizing fund at least to 500 million leis. Vasilii Marzenco, chief executive of the National Farmers Federation said if the authorities don’t react at the farmers’ request, they will turn to the protests.

In his turn, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Constantin Rotaru admitted that the sum of 250 million leis is too small but said the 2011 budget would be discussed in the government and then parliament. Thus, the sum can be increased.