Tradition and innovation in Cahul

Chisinau, 20 December /MOLDPRES/- „Bacii Sudului”  livestock cluster in Cahul region brings together 19 members, including farmers, meat and dairy processors, wool product artisans, cooperatives, associations and local institutions. With the support of the program EU4Moldova: Focal Regions, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, the cluster has benefited from a 100 thousand euro grant, which allowed the purchase of a modern slaughterhouse, equipment for sheep and goat shearing, as well as access to mentoring sessions and trainings dedicated to capacity building of members.

The cluster has achieved Bronze certification, a distinction that puts it on the European cluster map. The achievement provides members with access to extended funding opportunities, collaborations and partnerships with organizations in the European Union. "Our cooperation is based on the joint use of modernized infrastructure, participation in food safety trainings and involvement in national and international events," the cluster managers say.

In the future, the cluster aims to support farmers in strengthening local businesses, expand the necessary infrastructure and promote traditional products, such as lamb meat and cheese specific to the southern region of Moldova, on both local and international markets. 

The cluster is an aggregation composed of economic agents, public authorities, universities, research institutions, companies related to the livestock sectors, trade associations and service companies working together to meet the innovation needs along the entire value chain of Cahul region. The cluster was created in April 2022 to strengthen the cooperation of sheep and goat breeders, increase business competitiveness, promote and harness livestock products on a large scale, combining innovation and tradition.

Reporter - Lilia Grubii