The Technical University of Moldova has taken another step towards modernizing agricultural education and boosting research in the horticultural field with the inauguration of a new educational and research space dedicated to sustainable agriculture—the Green Bio Hub Greenhouse Complex, located on the Mircești campus. This initiative, developed by the Faculty of Agricultural, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences (FAFES), was made possible through a loan secured by the Government of the Republic of Moldova via the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Moldova (MAIA) from the European Investment Bank (EIB), totaling approximately 230 thousand euros, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Moldova Orchard Project (MOP).
UTM Rector, Prof. Viorel BOSTAN, Dr. habil., emphasized the major importance of this initiative for agricultural education in our country:
“After almost 2 years of activity within a unified community, following the merger of UTM with UASM, we are delighted with this new achievement. We firmly believe that agriculture cannot thrive without technology. Our aim is to promote all technologies through these greenhouses, which serve as experimental grounds. Every project we undertake contributes to the advancement of the entire community.”
Vladimir BOLEA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, underscored the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural progress:
“Dear students, these facilities are created for you—the advantages of studying at UTM in the agricultural field. The development process has just begun, and I am confident that in the years to come, we will see specialists who will elevate our country!”
Doina NISTOR, Director of the “Future Technologies” Project, welcomed the contribution of this initiative to Moldova’s development:
– High-performance agriculture in Moldova must be rooted in science. We are to partner on the Agrotek Arena project at UTM, where we combine IT with agriculture.
Alberto CARLEI, Head of the European Investment Bank Office in Moldova, emphasized their support for Moldova, UTM, and its students through such initiatives.
Iurie BRUMĂREL, Executive Director of the Horticultural Sector Restructuring Program, Moldova Orchard Implementation Unit, provided insight into the project’s practical impact, highlighting UTM’s proactive role in its implementation.
Following the event, FAFES Dean, Sergiu Popa, delivered a detailed presentation of the experimental greenhouses, pointing out their importance in streamlining the study process within the faculty.
The Green Bio Hub Greenhouse Complex represents a modern platform for training students in specialties such as Horticulture, Agronomy, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, and Green Space Design, offering them the opportunity to acquire essential practical skills in the field of sustainable agriculture. It will facilitate hands-on learning experiences, thesis development, and teaching practicums, while also promoting understanding of cultivation technologies, agronomy techniques, and growth monitoring.
In addition to its educational role, the complex will function as a research hub, focusing on plant breeding, bioecology, and cultivation techniques to enhance agricultural productivity. Research outcomes will be shared through extension projects, providing local producers with training, consultancy, and networking opportunities.
The inauguration of the Green Bio Hub Greenhouse Complex represents a strategic investment in Moldova’s agricultural future, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability in the sector, as well as improving the quality of agricultural products and contributing to the growth of local agriculture.
The Green Bio Hub Greenhouse Complex is a remarkable example of effective collaboration between the university, the private sector, and the government, all aimed at modernizing agricultural education and boosting research in horticulture. The successful implementation of this project will play a vital role in increasing productivity, diversifying agricultural production, and ensuring the country’s food security.
