Team Europe: Moldovan farmers participate in EU-funded seminars on industrial hemp cultivation

A total of 154 farmers from the Central, Northern and Southern regions of Moldova have taken part in seminars dedicated to industrial hemp cultivation, a crop used in industries such as textiles, construction, cosmetics and food production. The seminars were recently conducted in Chișinău, Bălți and Comrat within the Team Europe Initiative ‘Sustainable Food Systems’.

The events were organised by the Czech Development Agency (CzDA) and aimed to facilitate the transfer of European expertise and promote sustainable crops adapted to new climate conditions.

Czech expert Marie Bjelková, a specialist in the breeding and cultivation of industrial hemp, presented the experience of European Union Member States regarding cultivation technologies, harvesting and processing, and examples of economic valorisation of hemp-derived products.

“Industrial hemp has real potential in Moldova, but success depends on the correct application of technologies and the development of the value chain,” Marie Bjelková said.

The seminar included practical information on the selection of varieties, compliance with cultivation technologies, and the importance of processing for creating added value.

Farmers who have already tested the crop shared practical experiences from the field.

“Hemp is a crop that requires investment and complete infrastructure, but it has proven to be stable and resilient. Interest from other producers is growing,” said Ion Grecu, agricultural producer.

The Team Europe initiative ‘Sustainable Food Systems’ is funded by the European Union and the Czech Republic and implemented by the Czech Development Agency, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, and the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre. The project is implemented over a four-year period starting from June 2025.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, diversify crops and strengthen the resilience of the agri-food sector in the Republic of Moldova, including by facilitating farmers’ access to expertise, technical support and financing opportunities.

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