Implementation of ISO 22000 Standard as a Tool to Enhance Sustainability in the Agricultural Sector of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

In recent years, the international standard ISO 22000 has gained increasing strategic importance in the agri-food sector of the Republic of Moldova. Perceived not only as a certification tool, but as an integrated food safety management mechanism, this standard contributes significantly to increasing competitiveness, operational efficiency, and access to foreign markets. By implementing ISO 22000, more and more companies in the sector have been able to improve traceability, introduce more rigorous quality control systems, and align their processes with the requirements of international partners. External assistance projects played an important role in this development, in particular the EU4Moldova: Key Regions program, which supported the certification of companies in the Cahul and Ungheni districts, not only in ISO 22000, but also in ISO 9001 and GLOBALG.A.P. These interventions had a significant impact on export diversification and the strengthening of trade partnerships. UDC: 006.44:338.43(478); JEL: Q18, L66, M11, O13, O19