USAID HIGH VALUE AGRICULTURE ACTIVITY (HVAA) IN MOLDOVA YEAR 6 WORK PLAN

The project works through four implementation objectives: expanding trade and strengthening linkages to domestic, regional, and international markets for targeted value chains; improving productivity, post-harvest handling, and private sector capacity to comply with European and international standards in targeted value chains; increasing capacities of member-based groups to serve their members in targeted value chains; and improving the enabling environment leading to increased investments and an improved workforce in key value chains. HVAA's initial five years laid a solid foundation with sustainable models for value chain development in Moldova. Project momentum is continually accelerating, and initial results are evident: Moldovan products are reaching previously untouchable markets in Europe; firms are increasingly investing in state-of-the-art technologies and adopting improved practices that are leading to international certifications; sector associations are institutionalizing improved operational practices, which enable them to better serve their members; educational institutions are working hand-in-hand with private businesses to ensure that students are equipped with real skills needed in the workforce; and the private sector is becoming more prepared to engage the Government as a unified voice to advocate for their needs. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of challenges, as well as opportunities, that will continue to impact Year 6 programming. HVAA adapted its implementation methods and activities to the new operational environment, ensuring that project beneficiaries were supported to overcome new challenges. To guarantee that beneficiaries received ongoing resources without posing health risks to HVAA staff or stakeholders, the project and its partners restructured almost all training and technical assistance to be delivered through online platforms, while implementing in-person activities, usually outdoors, at times of low community transmission rates when health risks are much lower. HVAA intends to support USAID's goal of enhancing the economic resilience of the Moldovan HVA value chains affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through targeted assistance for the 2022 agricultural season. HVAA will aim to provide comprehensive programmatic support to preserve development gains, and build more sustainable, resilient, agile, and inclusive systems, while minimizing risks of COVID-19 outbreaks in our target sectors. Adding to HVAA's original value chains of apples, stone fruits, table grapes, berries, honey, and wine, the project will also focus on open field vegetables and cross-cutting activities to support implementation. HVAA's work plan for Year 6 is structured around four objectives, with specific activities and indicators for each objective. Objective 1 focuses on expanding trade and strengthening linkages to domestic, regional, and international markets for targeted value chains. Objective 2 aims to improve productivity, post-harvest handling, and private sector capacity to comply with European and international standards in targeted value chains. Objective 3 seeks to increase capacities of member-based groups to serve their members in targeted value chains. Objective 4 aims to improve the enabling environment leading to increased investments and an improved workforce in key value chains. HVAA will work closely with its partners, including FARM, Resonance, and Field Glass Communications, to achieve its objectives. The project will also engage with key stakeholders, including the Government of Moldova, sector associations, and private businesses, to ensure that the needs of the HVA sector are addressed. Through its comprehensive programmatic support, HVAA aims to build more sustainable, resilient, agile, and inclusive systems in the Moldovan HVA value chains, while minimizing risks of COVID-19 outbreaks in our target sectors.