CNFA: New methods of promoting advanced agricultural technologies

CNFA: New methods of promoting advanced agricultural technologies

• 25.10.2010

New methods of promoting advanced agricultural technologies are being assimilated with the assistance of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program

The farmers of the Transnistrian region will be able to assimilate advanced agricultural practices by watching a specialized TV show, based on the American experience, which is about to be launched in the region. For this very purpose, Mr. Bruce Williams, Ph.D., agronomy and horticulture consultant, has paid a visit to Moldova this year between October 8 and October 25. The expert was selected on a contest basis in order to voluntarily provide consultancy with the support of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program (FtF), implemented in our country by the USAID-funded organization CNFA.

Bruce Williams is the creator of his own TV show in the U.S., a TV show with great ratings which is focused on agricultural extension. During his visit to Moldova, he has provided assistance to the representatives of the consulting company Capital Consulting Company (CCC) from Tiraspol and to a local TV channel in order to develop the concept of the new show. The volunteer has provided training to the beneficiaries on matters of advanced techniques of video recording and has also consulted the local experts on matters of purchasing the necessary equipment for delivering the show.

Moreover, the American expert has assisted the beneficiaries on developing a long-term strategic plan for the projected show and has compiled a list of relevant agricultural topics. The TV show will be systematically broadcasted and will address matters like general agricultural issues, latest technologies and equipment, and the optimum solutions for improving the existing agricultural practices.

Until now, Dr. Bruce Williams has paid several visits to Moldova in order to provide consultancy to the Moldovan farmers, and to evaluate and enhance the successes of the agricultural producers that have benefited from assistance in the past. This year, the expert has also paid a visit to our country in order to work with a group of farmers from the Edineţ district for improving vegetable growing in greenhouses.

The FtF program provides the farmers’ groups, cooperatives, and agribusinesses with the opportunity to benefit from free American consultancy in order to improve their performances, by ensuring them a professional approach of the technical and financial matters. The assistance is provided to the companies and farmers that have proven a strong commitment and clear ideas for achieving superior results, and have a verified track record of successful business operation. The consultancy is provided during a period of up to three weeks for two strategic agricultural sub-sectors - production of fruit and vegetables and dairy products.

For details please contact Nadejda MOCANU, Farmer-to-Farmer Program Coordinator (tel.: 022 24 03 11, 069 260 005, nmocanu@moldova.cnfa.org, www.cnfa.md)