On April 3, 2024, the Technical University of Moldova, the Center for Agricultural and Rural Counseling, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Economics in Brătușeni signed a collaboration agreement to establish a consortium dedicated to delivering counseling services to farmers specializing in sheep and goat farming.
Professor Viorel BOSTAN, Rector of UTM, regards this agreement as a significant step forward in the university’s efforts to bring up a new generation of agricultural and zootechnical specialists within the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Forestry, and Environmental Engineering.
“We are confident that UTM’s involvement in the Consortium will significantly contribute to improving the quality of counseling services offered to farmers, thereby amplifying the competitiveness of the zootechnical sector. The training program under development will enable farmers to update their knowledge and skills, allowing them to adopt modern practices and methodologies. Moreover, the program will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies from the university to the farming community, thus contributing to the overall modernization of the zootechnical sector. UTM is ready to provide expertise and human resources to enhance the efficiency of the training program and ensure its success,” said Rector Viorel BOSTAN.
Iurie SCRIPNIC, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, emphasized the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, the government, research centers, and farmers in the improvement of the quality of education and vocational training in agriculture.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry has initiated a series of measures to support the continuous growth and development of the zootechnical sector and related education. We focus on preparing a new generation of specialists adapted to current and future requirements and challenges. The agreement represents an important step towards the advancement and improvement of the zootechnical sector in the Republic of Moldova. Through collaborative efforts like these, we’re laying the groundwork for a comprehensive knowledge transfer program,” mentioned Iurie SCRIPNIC.
The training program is part of the broader initiative “Resilient and Inclusive Markets in Moldova” implemented by UNDP Moldova and funded by Switzerland.
The first beneficiaries of the program will be 14 members of the zootechnical micro-cluster “Cimișlia-Basarabeasca,” who will acquire professional skills related to organizing production processes on the farm, budgeting activities, and developing marketing strategies for artisanal products.
The curriculum will focus on two main areas:
- Economic: Participants will benefit from training on business strategy development, operational management, and business planning to enhance competitiveness in local and international markets.
- Technological: Farmers will be trained in the application of the latest practices and techniques for sheep and goat farming, adapted to the pedo-climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova.
The program embraces a blended learning approach, providing flexibility through the use of various ICT tools. Upon completion, graduates will receive a Certificate of Professional Competence along with 5 academic credits.
The project is also relevant for the effective reintegration of individuals returning from abroad who wish to develop businesses in the zootechnical field.
UTM’s engagement in this Consortium demonstrates the university’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in the Republic of Moldova. By allowing farmers to improve their skills and knowledge, the training program aims to boost competitiveness and drive economic growth within the zootechnical sector.
