The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) continues the preparatory process for conducting the next General Agricultural Census (GAC) and the Integrated Farm Survey (IFS), in line with the actions set out in the National Programme for the Accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union for 2025–2029, Chapter 18 “Statistics”, as well as the “Reform Agenda related to the Growth Plan of the Republic of Moldova for 2025–2027”. In this context, a technical mission with the participation of international experts in agricultural statistics, Irena Oresnik and Massimo Greco, took place at the NBS during the period 26–28 January 2026.

The objective of the mission was to strengthen the capacity of NBS staff with regard to various aspects of the GAC and IFS, carried out in accordance with European Union requirements. In addition, NBS staff were familiarised with the main features of the legislation governing the IFS and aspects related to its implementation.

The mission agenda included discussions on the main characteristics and definition of agricultural holdings, as well as the IFS requirements concerning coverage and definitions. Issues related to the timetable, reference periods and coverage of the General Agricultural Census were also addressed, along with requirements regarding mandatory variables, including core variables and modules, as well as relevant elements for the design of the IFS questionnaire.

Furthermore, the international experts presented the practices applied by the Italian National Institute of Statistics in the implementation of the GAC and IFS. Another important topic discussed during the mission concerned the establishment of the frame of units for the GAC, using lists of units from various sources. Available statistical and administrative data sources for developing the GAC frame in the Republic of Moldova were identified, as well as possible sampling solutions for small agricultural holdings, depending on the availability and quality of the statistical frame.

The technical mission was organised with the support of the European Union, with the aim of strengthening statistical capacities in the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.