OPTIM Project

🎉 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 As we count the accomplishments for 2024, we take pride in sharing some of the successes made possible through the invaluable support of our trusted partners. These milestones motivate us to strive for a greater impact in 2025 for the benefit of our communities and stakeholders. 🎁 Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Helvetas Eastern & Southeastern Europe

🌾 Helvetas Moldova and the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚 (NFFM) continue their long-standing partnership, now entering a new chapter. Over the past 6️⃣ years, the OPTIM Project has supported NFFM’s growth as a #key voice for #farmers. 🔝 As the Federation prepares to strengthen its role further, we are committed to supporting the #development of its 2025-2027 #Strategy. Together, we aim to build a more resilient agricultural sector, equipping farmers with the tools, #knowledge, and #opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. 👀 Follow our account as we’ll update you on the sector's evolution and tangible progress. 📊 Bojan Kolundzija, Helvetas Eastern & Southeastern Europe, Carina Turcin, Bumacov Eugen, Nicolae Tiltu

🎉 Helvetas Moldova wishes everyone joyful holidays and a prosperous 2025! 🤝 In 2024, through shared efforts with our partners, we achieved remarkable milestones and built lasting, fruitful collaborations. Here's to continued success and reaching new heights together in the year ahead! 🎁

✅ Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Office in Moldova, met with Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of Agriculture, to discuss ongoing efforts to #modernize Moldova’s #agriculture and support #economic growth. The meeting highlighted the impact of Swiss-funded initiatives, including the OPTIM Project, which helps farmers and small businesses tackle #climate challenges, increase #productivity, and access new markets. 🌱 This partnership reflects a shared commitment to #sustainable development, and creating better opportunities for Moldova’s agricultural sector. 🇨🇭 #Switzerland remains a strong partner, supporting innovation and resilience in the industry. 🤝 OPTIM Project (Helvetas) is grateful for the support and we look forward to continuing our joint work to build a modern and competitive agriculture in Moldova. 🔵 Helvetas Eastern & Southeastern Europe, Bojan Kolundzija, Matthias Herr, Nikola Babic, Andrei Stratulat, Simone Di Stefano, Anna Tibuleak

📣 Helvetas #Moldova teams up with Moldova Fruct Association to strengthen Moldova's #fruit sector and ensure its #sustainable growth. 📊 This #strategic partnership will address the pressing needs of fruit producers by enhancing their #knowledge, skills, and market #access. Together, we will develop models to #integrate small producers into the market through #collaboration with #professional #exporters, paving the way for sustainable access to the EU market. ✅ Moldova Fruct will adjust its #strategy to align with the demands of today’s #dynamic #markets, ensuring their activities remain relevant and impactful for a competitive fruit industry. ⭐ A highlight of the partnership is #policy influencing and #advocacy for sectoral #policies that enable growth, #innovation, and #inclusion. 🌱 By investing in the right #efforts and #knowledge, we aim to shift the market in the right direction and unlock the full #potential of Moldova's fruit producers. *️⃣ Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Helvetas Eastern & Southeastern Europe *️⃣ Bojan Kolundzija, Iurie Fala, Carina Turcin, Bumacov Eugen

📲 “Who’s on TikTok? Check out how we apply digital solutions daily in agriculture with the #iFarms app”, encouraged Alexandr Perjan to students at the Center of Excellence in Viticulture and Oenology in Chișinău. 🤩 Curious and eager to learn, students quickly downloaded the iFarms app to explore its features. In a hands-on session with iFarms specialists, they learned how to use digital tools for smart resource management in agriculture. 🚀 Their active engagement showed they understand the importance of digitalization in the future of farming and are ready to innovate in Moldova's agricultural sector. 📌 Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Helvetas Eastern & Southeastern Europe, iFarms - smart farming solutions, Petru Copacinschi, Laura Andros, Bumacov Eugen

💬 "I believe it’s essential for entrepreneurs to continuously refine their #skills and stay aligned with the latest trends to remain #competitive," shared Victoria Șevcenco, Vice Director of "S.A. Cahulpan", reflecting on her experience in the "𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐚-𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚" Program. Through the program, Victoria had the chance to connect, learn, and gain fresh ideas to grow her business. 📚 "During this program, I learned how to diversify our product line and improve operational efficiency. I’m excited to bring these ideas to life at our bakery!" 📊 At Helvetas, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs like Victoria in building resilient businesses and driving economic growth. Beyond training, we also focus on creating a flexible, business-friendly environment through advocacy and policy work, empowering entrepreneurs to succeed locally and beyond. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #Helvetas #Moldova ✅ Camera de Comert si Industrie a Republicii Moldova , Helvetas Eastern & Southeastern Europe, OPTIM Project, Doina Odainii, Stela Stratan, Inesa Iordatii, Florentin Tus, Anna Tibuleak

📊 #Entrepreneurs in Moldova often grapple with questions like: What is #strategic #communication? How can I #promote myself effectively? How do I become more visible? These uncertainties found clarity during the event “Built to Last – Personal #Branding and Strategic Communication for Experts”, where participants had the chance to openly discuss their #challenges and learn techniques to elevate their #business image. 💡 In a dynamic and interactive session led by communication expert Otilia Cotruța, participants explored practical ways to build #authentic and #impactful personal brands. 🎯 Supported by Switzerland, Helvetas Moldova, through the OPTIM Project, and Moldova Agroindbank, this event created a valuable space for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, find inspiration, and gain actionable solutions to grow their businesses. 📝 ACAM Asociatia Consultantilor în Afaceri şi Management din Moldova, Eugenia Caracas, Anatolie Palade MBA, CMC®, Carina Turcin

🍎 35 members of the Moldova Fruct Association have attended #Interpoma, the world’s only exhibition dedicated exclusively to #apple cultivation. 💬  "We’re excited to test new apple varieties like Evelina, Gloss, and Tessa, and diversify our packaging for the European market," shared Eugenia Velicescu, Elit Fruct SRL. 💬 Victor Guțu, Director of AMG Kernel, added: "I’m impressed by this year’s edition. I’ve already connected with six companies for future #machinery and equipment purchases. The innovation and #knowledge exchange here are invaluable for fruit growers." 🌐 With over 490 exhibitors and 16,000 industry experts from 70 countries, #Interpoma is where the future of fruit growing comes to life—through cutting-edge technologies, innovation, and automation. 🍏 This impactful visit was made possible thanks to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Helvetas, through the OPTIM Project, supporting Moldovan producers to adopt modern practices for success at home and abroad! 🍏✨ 📸 Bojan Kolundzija, Bumacov Eugen, Moldova Fruct, Ana Zatushevschi, Iurie Fala

🌍 Valuable Insights from Rijk Zwaan Research Station 📸 As part of our growtechantalya visit, the OPTIM Project team, together with Moldovan farmers from the #AgroOguz Association and the National Farmers Federation, explored innovative farming techniques at the Rijk Zwaan (breeding company). 👏 Farmers gained practical #knowledge on advanced plant #grafting, productivity optimization, and #sustainable practices. This exchange of expertise with international practitioners is invaluable, as Moldovan farmers are now ready to implement these best practices at home, driving #innovation and growth in agriculture. 🌱 Bringing global solutions to Moldova’s fields!