UNIDO and EU launch SME, food business operators and farmer’s capacity building for improving quality of food of animal origin
To support the development of the livestock sector in the Republic of Moldova, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the European Union (EU) launch a sectorial support initiative “Standards Compliance, Capacity Building and Implementation Programme for small and medium entreprises (SMEs), food business operators (FBOs) and Farmers”.
The programme targets economic operators seeking to improve the quality standards of food products of animal origin and align with European regulations. Its aim is to equip businesses in the livestock and agri-food sectors with the tools and knowledge needed to confidently place their products on store shelves both in Moldova and across the EU, while upholding consumer health, animal welfare, and environmental standards.
Who can participate – eligibility criteria
The programme invites farmers and primary producers, milk and meat processors, who are in the initial and/or middle stages of developing a business with food products of animal origin, who have already developed a product, tested it on the market and want to expand and develop their business.
Priority will be given to companies and farms that:
- are willing to improve their product quality standards;
- are interested in developing the export potential of the EU market;
- are open to a strategic approach to business development, in close collaboration with the Program’s experts, from identifying needs, resources and growth opportunities, to developing/improving the business plan.
Programme structure
- Comprehensive training on critical compliance areas, combining theoretical knowledge with practical examples and on-the-job practice.
- Providing personalized support (individual coaching) to address specific challenges faced by SMEs, FBOs, farm owners and managers.
- Supporting the development of business plans and investment proposals to mobilize additional resources.
- Group coaching and learning sessions to facilitate peer learning and experience sharing.
- Study tour to Europe for selected number of participating economic entities.
- Participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions for selected number of participating economic entities.
Programme topics
- Good hygiene practices
- HACCP system implementation
- HACCP system checklist
- Validation and verification of the effectiveness of the HACCP system
- Food safety culture – implementation and evaluation
- Work environment monitoring
- Management of emergencies and food crises
- Food safety management system
- Food labelling and packaging
- Traceability/withdrawal and product tracking
- Self-control programs of Salmonella and other pathogenic microorganisms (Listeria, E coli, Campylobacter spp)
- Checking the quality of raw milk (NTG, NCS, detection of milk adulteration, presence of antibiotics), corrections and corrective measures
- Residue and contaminant monitoring techniques, including surveillance of processes, operations, traceability and control of veterinary drugs and additives
- EU environmental requirements and animal welfare standards
- Waste management and recycling
- Main metrological issues and regulatory aspects in food safety assessment
- Product diversification and development
- Business plan and investment proposal development
Following the registration phase, the program structure, theoretical content, and the number of training and consulting hours will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the participants.
Application process and deadlines
Interested companies are invited to complete the registration form by May 10, 2025. The implementation period of the program is May – December 2025.
The EU-UNIDO “Standards Compliance, Capacity Building and Implementation Programme for SMEs, FBOs and Farmers” is part of the project “Improving the standards compliance through increased national capacities for residue monitoring”, implemented by UNIDO and funded by the European Union.
