Food security and distribution for Moldova Note: This project has been cancelled, because the local partner sold its shares and the new owner had no interest in the PSI project.Primary, meat production in Moldova is often in the hands of the former state companies. These companies work inefficiently and fail to meet international hygiene and food safety standards. The total urban population in Moldova is increasingly serviced by larger supermarkets. However, these supermarkets still follow local traditions and are supplied with parts of animal carcasses which are deboned and cut under insufficient hygienic circumstances. In rural areas meat distribution is dominated by old style kiosks which also suffer from contamination and unhygienic facilities. The sector lacks proper cooling and freezing facilities, despite high summer temperatures.The applicant, A.M. Broere & Zn B.V. and its Moldovan partners Farm Meat Sud SRL (FMS) and Farm Meat Processing SRL (FMP) will set up a joint venture to provide distribution, portioning and shock freezing meat services. The distribution centre will be based in Chisinau. The centre will implement international quality standards as ISO and HACCP and contribute to food safety in the region.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)An ISO, HACCP and ARBO certificate will be obtained. Waste will be separated. Protective clothing and shoes will be provided. Two disabled people will be contracted. Health insurance, pensions and meals are provided to the employees. With regards to animal welfare both partners respect the European standards.The local partner used a PUM expert to get to this level. Also, European suppliers are worked with. As for the third partner, the pigs are fed automatically to prevent stress. Moreover animals have more space than in Europe. Ventilation is based on temperature measurement through sensors.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsWages are at least 20% above the minimum loan. The working conditions are in line with Dutch labour requirements (ARBO). Fringe benefits include company meals, company loans, health insurance and pension schemes. Moreover, two less-abled people will be contracted.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThe project will be the first ISO and HACCP certified meat distribution centre in Moldova that meets European hygiene and food security standards. It is new that retailers will have access to meat (products) conform to European Food Security standards and that small farmers will get access to a proper certified distribution system (with access to supermarkets). Furthermore, shock freezing will be new and will improve meat quality. Also, complete meat orders (pork, beef, chicken, etc) and customised packages are offered from one centre.•	Chain effectsThe main suppliers are the transportation companies. Since the project is a distribution centre, the meat products which are processed and handled do belong to clients. These can partly be considered as the suppliers of the centre.The project focuses at efficiency and hygienically distribution services of its clients (retailers and meat farmers). The services will lead to healthier products and longer shelve life for end consumers. For joint venture clients its leads to higher prices revenues for meat.A quality improvement programme for clients will lead to certification of meat outlets and farmers. The trainings include impact of temperature on meat quality, growth of animals, medication, planning, etc.•	Impact on the sectorSeveral knowledge institutes will be involved to improve food security as local institutes of formal education, University of Chisinau and graduates for research projects and traineeships.•	EnvironmentWaste is separated.•	Position of women50% of the workforce is female and 2/3 of the management will be filled by women.•	Impact on food safetyThe project focuses at food security for the local market. Because of improved distribution possibilities, it is expected that local meat production will rise as well. Currently, the sector depends highly on imports. The meat will be produced under improved hygienic circumstances and the shelve life will be extended.•	Impact on waterThe project does not contribute to the availability of water. Establishment of an ISO and HACCP certified meat distribution centre which annually distributes 400 Mtons of (packed) meat (products).