The “Fruit of Budjak” project builds on the partnership between Gmina Ryńsk in Poland and the Municipalicy of Cimișlia in Moldova to transfer Polish expertise in supporting agriculture and agro-processing. This initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of agricultural activities in Cimișlia to market crises—such as logistical bottlenecks, trade embargoes, droughts, and floods—while promoting diversification of rural income sources. Key priorities include developing micro-processing capabilities and supporting direct sales from farmers to consumers, aligning with the strategic goals outlined in the Cimișlia Development Strategy.
At the heart of the project is the establishment and equipping of a Fruit Incubator in Cimișlia, as can been seen in this video, which directly addresses market demands. The incubator will enable farmers to offer washed, sorted, and packaged products labeled with producer-specific codes, ensuring traceability and compliance with EU standards. This approach is expected to enhance the value and profitability of small- and medium-sized farms by meeting the requirements of both local and European buyers. Additionally, surplus production can be processed into dried or dehydrated goods, depending on market conditions. The incubator will feature washing equipment, fruit and vegetable dryers and dehydrators, and packaging machines. This infrastructure will be made accessible to local farmers, orchard owners, and gardeners under publicly agreed operational terms, with users covering only the operating costs.
The project also contributes to biodiversity and landscape preservation in Cimișlia, where agricultural production is fragmented and includes local varieties such as colorful carrots, quinces, and apricots. These traditional crops require support to avoid being replaced by intensive monoculture practices. Drawing on Gmina Ryńsk’s experience in supporting vegetable and fruit production, including its municipal processing infrastructure, the project will help Cimișlia establish a sustainable model for agro-processing and rural development.
As part of this strategy, the project will promote certification, build a unified quality mark, introduce standardized packaging, and develop online sales platforms with order-tracking features for both producers and customers. Additionally, it will include an intensive promotional campaign to raise awareness about the region’s agricultural products and capabilities. By fostering innovation and collaboration, this initiative strengthens Cimișlia’s agricultural sector while preserving its cultural and ecological heritage.
Fruits of Budjak – from the farm to the table. Best Polish practices and EU legal framework for the local development based on quality agriculture and local food processing place. Project co-financed within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.