EIB Global and EU support agricultural modernisation and rural growth in Moldova

EIB Global to provide €150 million under the Fruit Garden of Moldova (Livada Moldovei) programme to support agricultural and food value chains across the country.

The operation is backed by the EU guarantee and supports Moldova in the EU accession process by unlocking key investments, creating jobs and helping Moldovan producers access new opportunities in the European market.

Financing will help farmers and agri-food businesses invest in modern production, processing, storage and logistics.

EIB Global, the European Investment Bank’s development arm, is providing €150 million to the Republic of Moldova to support the modernisation of agricultural and food value chains across the country.

Fruit Garden of Moldova II, will support farmers and agri-food businesses across Moldova, helping them invest in modern equipment, storage facilities, processing capacity and logistics. By improving access to long-term finance, the programme will help businesses expand, create jobs and bring higher-value products to market.

The operation is backed by the European Union guarantee under the NDICI – Global Europe framework and is closely aligned with the €1.9 billion EU Growth Plan for Moldova, which aims to accelerate economic development through investment, reforms and stronger private-sector growth.

By improving access to long-term finance for farmers and agri-food businesses, the operation helps create the conditions for sustainable growth, job creation and closer integration with the European Union market.

The operation builds on the success of the EIB’s flagship Fruit Garden of Moldova programme, which  as of 2025 supported more than 500 investment projects across Moldova’s agricultural sector. The new operation continues the same proven approach, relying on established institutions and implementation experience to reach businesses throughout the country.

The financing will support investment at every stage of the agricultural value chain — from farms and orchards to processing facilities and distribution networks — helping Moldovan producers improve quality, add value to their products and access new market opportunities in the European Union.

Part of the credit facility will support public investments in agricultural education, research and food safety infrastructure, helping strengthen the foundations of a modern and competitive agricultural sector.

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Moldova, said:

“Agriculture is much more than an economic sector in Moldova. It is a source of livelihoods, identity and opportunity for communities across the country. With Fruit Garden of Moldova II, we are helping farmers and food businesses invest in their future, become more competitive and create value locally. This is about supporting people who want to grow their businesses, create jobs and bring Moldovan products to new markets.”

EU Ambassador of the European Union to Moldova H.E. Ms Iwona Piórko commented:

“This project is about creating opportunities and bringing Moldova’s economy closer to the European Union. Through this investment, farmers, food producers and rural entrepreneurs will gain better access to the financing they need to modernise, grow and compete in the European market. This is a concrete example of how the Growth Plan is delivering benefits for businesses and communities across Moldova.”

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Eugeniu Osmochescu:

“Moldova’s farmers and food producers have the ambition and know-how to compete in European markets, but they need access to long-term investment to unlock their full potential. Fruit Garden of Moldova II will help businesses modernise production, improve storage and processing capacities, and create more value here in Moldova. This is an investment not only in agriculture, but also in stronger rural communities, new jobs and the long-term competitiveness of our economy.”

Background information    

About EU and the Growth Plan

The Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, worth €1.9 billion, is the largest EU financial support package for the country since Moldova’s independence. It will boost Moldova’s economy and bring the country closer to EU membership by accelerating reforms, enhancing access to the EU’s single market and providing significant financial assistance through a dedicated Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova for the period 2025-2027. The Growth Plan will mobilise investments for jobs and growth and, most importantly, transform the lives of Moldovan citizens.

EIB Group   

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is the financing arm of the European Union, owned by the 27 Member States, and one of the largest multilateral development banks in the world. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion in new financing and advisory services for over 870 high-impact projects under eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, territorial cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, strong global partnerships and the savings and investments union. Beyond long-term loans for large infrastructure, the EIB Group crowds in private investment for high-risk innovative projects and businesses, with a growing role in Europe’s markets for venture debt, venture capital, guarantees and securitisations.