Today, the Technical University of Moldova hosted a delegation from North Carolina State University (NCSU), led by Secretary of State of North Carolina, Elaine Marshall. This visit marked a new milestone in the collaboration between the two universities—the advancement of agriculture in the Republic of Moldova.
Strategic Partnership for Modern Agriculture: Developing the University Curricula
The event brought together high-ranking officials from Moldova and the United States, including UTM Rector Viorel Bostan, Minister of Agriculture and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea, and U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Kent D. Logsdon.
The discussions centered around identifying strategies to improve agricultural curricula to ensure the preparation of skilled professionals capable of meeting the demands of the market. The primary objective is to educate competent agriculture specialists within university settings, thereby fostering their active contribution to the progress and prosperity of the Republic of Moldova.
The event commenced with the speech of Professor Dr. Viorel Bostan, Rector of UTM:
“It’s a privilege to host this gathering dedicated to discussing the future of agriculture in Moldova. We’ve transitioned from an engineering-focused institution to an agricultural one as well–a critical domain for Moldova. Immediately following the merger, we began identifying potential partners, and among our staunchest allies has been the U.S. Government, whose support and encouragement has been instrumental in our activities. Our visit to NCSU left a lasting impression, showcasing their commitment to research within academia. It’s a model we aspire to emulate through implementing some of their best practices. Agricultural research thrives when grounded in practical application, which is why we’re moving to establish experimental fields with the support Minister Vladimir Bolea,” noted Mr. Bostan.
In response, Daniela Pojar, the Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs and International Relations, reaffirmed UTM’s dedication to modernizing university curricula by integrating the best practices observed during the faculty’s visit to North Carolina State University in November 2023.
Creating Opportunities for the Youth
Secretary Elaine Marshall highlighted Moldova’s vast potential in agriculture and expressed confidence that the collaboration with NCSU would create opportunities for the country’s young population. The Secretary of State of North Carolina remarked, “This partnership is more than just paperwork; it’s about creating a future here, in the Republic of Moldova, for its citizens. Together, as allies, we will succeed!”
The Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Moldova, His Excellency Kent D. Logsdon, supports the efforts to modernize Moldova’s agricultural sector: “This relationship between our countries presents a significant opportunity for development, especially for the young people who are the future of this nation. We see these programs as avenues for progress across various fields.”
Agrotek Arena: An Ambitious Project
The NCSU delegation were introduced to the Agrotek Arena project – an agricultural innovation hub currently in development at UTM, backed by the support of the U.S. Government. Agrotek Arena aims to provide students and farmers with access to the latest agricultural technologies and know-how.
In this context, Vladimir Bolea, the Minister of Agriculture and Regional Development, added, “This event holds immense significance for Moldova’s agriculture. We are confident that through the collaboration between the Technical University of Moldova and North Carolina State University, we will be able to train highly qualified specialists in the agricultural field who will be capable of implementing the latest agricultural technologies and practices.”
Doina Nistor, the Director of the “Future Technologies” Project, funded by USAID, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, expressed her belief that all implemented or planned projects are of major importance in creating specialists who can meet the demands of the labor market in the agricultural sector.
Indeed, the meeting represented a convergence of ambitious visions and concrete actions. Through collaboration and the exchange of ideas among universities, government officials, and international partners, a solid framework has been established for future initiatives in the agricultural domain. The collaboration between UTM and NCSU stands as a remarkable example of international cooperation in agricultural education. This strategic alliance will contribute to the modernization of Moldova’s agriculture, enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and ensuring a prosperous future for future generations.
