Micro, small and medium-sized agricultural producers from Telenesti, Ungheni, Soldanesti, Briceni, Hincesti and Singerei districts will receive grants to increase renewable energy use and energy efficiency in their businesses. Awarded through UNDP, the grants are possible thanks to the financial support offered by the Austrian Development Agency and the Government of Japan. The closing date for the funding competition is August 4.
Winning micro farmers will get grants of up to $6,000, with small and medium farmers receiving up to $18,000. The financial contribution of the beneficiaries shall be at least 20% of the total cost of the grant but not exceed the total amount of funding.
In addition to the non-refundable financial assistance, women entrepreneurs will benefit from a comprehensive capacity-building programme on energy efficiency.
Thirty grants will be offered through the project “Emergency support for agri-producers in the context of the socio-economic, climate and energy crisis”, financed by the Austrian DevelopmentAgency (ADA) through the Moldova 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Partnerships TrustFund, to help businesses transition to renewable sources and energy-efficient technologies.
Another 30 grants will be provided with the support of the Government of Japan through the “Multidimensional response to emerging human security challenges in Moldova” project. Grants can be awarded for a range of activities including the installation of photovoltaic panels, machinery for biogas production, the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers etc.
This includes energy-efficiency measures in warehouses and rooms used during production, as well as activities contributing to the energy autonomy of micro, small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises run by women. (Moldpres/Business World Magazine)