Moldova has approved its first poultry farm for the export of eggs to the European Union (EU). According to Chisinau, this marks a historic step in the integration of its agricultural sector with the European market. The poultry farm Georg Standard is the first Moldovan agricultural company to meet the strict EU standards for food safety and quality control.
Early last year, the EU already approved the export of Moldovan poultry products after a positive audit report in April 2022, confirming that Moldova complies with the final food safety standards. Just last week, the European Commission concluded that Moldova is making sufficient progress in the process of admission to the EU.
George Standard had to make significant investments in modern technologies and sustainability to adapt to European requirements. For example, the company installed solar energy installations and powerful sorting equipment to make production more environmentally friendly. In addition to gradual upgrades, George Standard also has instructions on how to control and maintain diseases such as salmonella in its chicken houses.
According to Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, the access to the European market has significantly strengthened the Moldovan economy. By gaining access to the lucrative EU market, Moldova now has a stable outlet for its poultry products, of which 65% of exports are currently going to EU. There is also talk of extending the export license to fresh poultry meat, although these discussions are still ongoing.
The admission not only brings economic benefits to Moldova, but also means increasing recognition of the quality of Moldovan agricultural products.
The EU sees it as an opportunity to increase the equity market of Eastern European producers and to encourage local producers in Moldova to invest in robust and sustainable production methods. This step is seen as part of a broader strategy of the EU to economically and politically involve the Eastern European countries, including Moldova, closer to the union.