The Technical University of Moldova is hosting the first AgriMBA conference in the Republic of Moldova, an event focused on agricultural extension, applied education and bringing knowledge closer to farmers. The conference brought together Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and a delegation from North Carolina State University, alongside representatives of academia, the public sector and international partners.
“For UTM, cooperation with North Carolina State University has become a reference point in modernizing agricultural education. We have seen how universities, authorities and communities can work together to deliver concrete results in agriculture.”
The first day of the conference focused on the role universities can play in developing Moldova’s agricultural sector. Specialists from North Carolina presented models showing how universities can support farmers, connect research with the economy and turn academic knowledge into practical solutions used directly in the field.
AgriMBA highlighted five key directions for modernizing agriculture:
- The university’s contribution to economic development through applied education;
- Public-private-university partnerships to support farmers;
- Soil testing and nutrient management in agriculture;
- The role of experimental stations in training specialists;
- Turning agricultural policies into applied practices.
Speaking about the agricultural extension initiative launched by UTM and its role, Elaine F. Marshall said:
“Extension creates a space where research meets reality, where new techniques are demonstrated, challenges are discussed openly and solved through collaboration. That is how innovation becomes relevant. That is how progress becomes sustainable.”
The second day of the conference showed how agriculture can become more competitive through investment, technology and up-to-date skills. Discussions addressed Moldovan-Dutch cooperation for economic innovation, the impact of UTM’s AgriMBA program on training a new generation of professionals, and the modernization of equipment used in agriculture.
Through the AgriMBA program and agricultural extension projects, UTM is helping train a new generation of specialists. Students and professionals in the field gain access to practical training, applied research and technologies already used in the real sector. This approach prepares graduates to work directly with farmers, companies and rural communities.
The conference was organized with the support of NC State University, the U.S. Embassy, the OPTIM Project, and with the support of Switzerland, through Swiss Cooperation in Moldova and Helvetas Moldova.
