Israel and Moldova sign strategic wheat partnership to boost food security

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

Under the deal, Israel will contribute advanced seeds and agricultural expertise, while Moldova provides land, water, and labor. The collaboration is structured on a business basis and represents Israel’s first formal agricultural agreement with Moldova since opening its embassy in the country six months ago.

“The diversification of Israel’s wheat sources is welcome in normal times and essential in emergencies,” Dichter said. “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 partnership 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. The plan includes increasing agricultural output by one-third by 2035 and raising the share of domestically grown wheat from 10% to 30%.

Dichter expressed gratitude to Moldovan counterparts, stating, “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 approximately 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 is also renowned for its wine industry. Historically called the “fruit and vegetable basket of the Soviet Union,” Moldova retains a strong agricultural tradition and infrastructure.

The new agreement is part of Israel’s “Treat the Wheat” initiative, launched after the 2022 global wheat supply crisis, when Israel faced urgent needs for alternative sources. The program aims to diversify wheat imports while sharing Israeli expertise and technology with partner nations. 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 attended meetings on seed improvement and climate adaptation, reflecting a focus on long-term resilience. Officials emphasized that the partnership strengthens not only emergency preparedness but also sustainable trade and technological cooperation.

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

Tags: wheat, Israel, Moldova