Description
The project combines support of SMEs with rural development and an innovative approach of a sustainable agri-food sector in Moldova. Its aim is to support Moldova's economic growth by improving the conditions for the development of innovative micro- and small agri-food businesses. This objective will be achieved by building the Agrifood Business Incubator with a certified shared kitchen for the production of agri-food products, by building capacities of agri-food start-ups in the area of business development and production of innovative agri-food products, and by promoting their sales. Part of the incubator will be a demonstration plot managed by agro-ecological practices as a means of education and a source of raw materials for food innovation. The project will be implemented in village Riškova, about 40 km from Chişinău, in the Eco-village Moldova complex established by the Moldovan project partner. The agri-food incubator, 5 newly established and 10 supported micro- and small-scale agri-food businesses will create 12 new jobs, 4 of them for vulnerable groups (preferably women) whose integration into the work process will be supported by training. The results and experience of the Agrifood Business Incubator, with special regard to environmental and gender equality issues and opportunities, will be evaluated in a published case study setting out principles and recommendations for future initiatives and a proposed replication model.