Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 5, Israel has taken a significant step to secure its wheat supply by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Moldova, according to the Press Service of Israel (TPS-IL). The agreement was finalized on Wednesday, September 3, during a visit by Israeli Agriculture Minister MK Avi Dichter. It establishes joint wheat cultivation to ensure Israel’s food security in both routine conditions and emergencies.

Under the MoU, Israel will provide advanced seeds and agricultural expertise, while Moldova contributes land, water, and labor. The partnership is structured on a business basis and represents Israel’s first formal agricultural agreement with Moldova since opening its embassy there six months ago.

Dichter stated: “The diversification of Israel’s wheat sources is welcome in normal times and essential in emergencies. This preparation ensures the functional continuity of our economy. The ‘full shelves’ principle guides all our planning—stocks that are ready in both ordinary and extreme situations.”

The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to strengthen domestic production, diversify imports, and prepare for potential crises. Plans include increasing agricultural output by one-third by 2035 and raising the share of domestically grown wheat from 10% to 30%.

Dichter also expressed appreciation to Moldovan officials: “I thank Minister Ludmila Catlabuga and her team, as well as Ambassador Alexander Roitman. This is the opening of what I expect to be a long and fruitful collaboration in agriculture, which is vital for both countries.”

Moldova, located in Eastern Europe between Ukraine and Romania, uses roughly 70% of its land for agriculture, which contributes about 12% of its GDP. The country is a major exporter of grains including wheat, barley, and corn, and has a well-established wine industry. Known historically as the “fruit and vegetable basket of the Soviet Union,” Moldova retains strong agricultural infrastructure and expertise.

The MoU is part of Israel’s “Treat the Wheat” initiative, launched after the 2022 global wheat supply crisis, which highlighted the need for alternative sources. The program aims to diversify wheat imports while sharing Israeli technology and know-how with partner countries. Israel has previously signed similar agreements with Morocco, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Romania.

During the visit, the Israeli delegation toured Moldova’s agricultural research institutes and participated in discussions on seed improvement and climate adaptation, reflecting a focus on long-term resilience. Officials noted that the partnership supports not only emergency preparedness but also sustainable trade and technological cooperation.

Dichter commented: “This memorandum demonstrates how Israel and Moldova can combine strengths to secure vital food resources. By pairing Israel’s innovation with Moldova’s agricultural capacity, we are creating a model of strategic food security with benefits for both nations.”

The agreement marks a milestone in Israel-Moldova agricultural relations, combining expertise, infrastructure, and resources to enhance wheat production, ensure supply continuity, and foster sustainable bilateral cooperation.