Law No. 276 “On the principles of subsidizing of agricultural producers”.

This Law establishes general principles of state policies for the promotion and stimulation of agricultural activity and rural development, and the use of funds intended for the development of the agro-industrial sector. The principles established by this Law are basic and do not deprive the state of the right to pay special attention to the agro-industrial sector. This Law does not regulate the principles of entrepreneurial activity, as well as the fiscal and tax system of the Republic of Moldova. The scope of this Law shall be to promote the modernization of the agro-industrial sector and rural development by: (a) increasing the competitiveness of the agro-industrial sector by modernizing and restructuring the market; (b) ensuring sustainable management of natural resources in agriculture; and (c) raising living standards in rural areas. The Agency for Intervention and Payments in the Field of Agriculture is an autonomous public institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry responsible for the effective management of the National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas, including the funds received from development partners. National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas - a totality of budgetary funds, as well as funds received from development partners intended to finance support measures. This Law concerns: (a) principles of development and implementation of state policy in the field of agricultural and rural subsidies, including the procedure for the formation of the National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas; (b) priority agro-industrial sectors supported by the National Fund for Agricultural and Rural Development; (c) direct payments for certain crops and animal species; (d) granting subsidies to the agro-industry to cover part of the costs incurred in the process of agricultural production and/or to invest in agriculture; (e) eligibility criteria for recipients of subsidies in agriculture and rural areas; (f) powers of the public administration bodies entrusted with the functions of implementation of the legislation in the field of subsidizing agriculture and rural areas, their relations with the applicants and recipients of subsidies; (g) general principles for the management of public funds allocated for the provision of subsidies in agriculture and rural areas; (h) information systems in agriculture; and (i) other aspects relating to requests for subsidies in agriculture and rural areas, processing applications for grants and subsidies. Basic principles of subsidizing agriculture and rural areas shall be set forth as follows: (a) predictability and stability of legal regulation; (b) transparency in the decision-making process; (c) equal treatment; (d) efficiency based on financial and economic arguments; (e) continuity of support processes for agricultural producers; (f) accepting responsibility by recipients of grants; and (g) reasonable costs. This Law consists of VIII Chapters divided into 37 Articles. Chapter I lays down general provisions. Chapter II establishes basic principles for subsidizing of agricultural producers and rural areas. Chapter III establishes plenary powers of public administration. Chapter IV regards planning and determination of support measures subject to subsidizing. Chapter V establishes criteria of acceptability for applicants, rights and duties of applicants and recipients of subsidies. Chapter VI regards examination of applications, payments of subsidies and supervision over compliance with regulation of subsidies. Chapter VII regards agricultural integrated information system. Chapter VIII lays down final and transitional provisions.