Hundreds of producers and farmers at a famous Moldovan fair. “Your heart swells like a cake when you see the fruits of labor”

The 16th edition of one of the most important agro-zoo fairs in Moldova took place in Botoșani. It is an event with tradition that gathers producers, farmers, but also thousands of visitors. For two days, Botoșani becomes a real pole of Romanian animal husbandry.

Botoşani became, for two days, a real capital of Romanian animal husbandry. Hundreds of producers and farmers, debate and information hubs in the field of agriculture, parades, exhibitions and more than 15,000 visitors. This is the balance sheet of the Botoşani Regional Livestock, Agricultural Equipment and Traditional Products Fair, one of the most important festivals dedicated to agriculture and livestock in Moldova.

The event was organized between May 11-12 at the Popouti Sheep and Goat Research Station, Răchiți commune, a unique institution in Europe, famous especially for the genetic line production of the Botoşani karakul breed. The fair is already a tradition in the north of Moldova, being organized annually for 16 years.

“I think the exchange of experience is the most important thing”

The fair is dedicated, as the organizers say, to farmers and producers from the north of Moldova. Through this event, they can display their most beautiful specimens, be proud of the fruit of their work and at the same time exchange experience.

“I think this exchange of experience is the most important thing. Because we meet, we discuss what's bothering us, what problems we have, and one comes with an idea, another comes, and that's how we progress. Beginners seek advice from the more experienced. If we see special examples in someone, we ask how he succeeded, how he proceeded. This meeting is very important, especially from this point of view”, explains a Karakul sheep breeder from Botoșani, who came to the fair.

At the same time, there are meetings with specialists from the agro-zoo area, but also with the authorities. On the other hand, the first day of the festival, Saturday, May 11, a bit more “technical”, started with a meeting with the farmers, within the research station.

“It's wonderful to have so many natural products”

The most anticipated moment of the fair is always the second day, of the open doors, parades and exhibitions. On Sunday, at 11:00 a.m., on the road that connects Botoșani with the communes from Săveni, traffic was already difficult, being directed by dozens of policemen.

The cars going towards Ungureni were making their way, in a column, among the cars already parked on the side of the road considering that the parking arranged in the area of ​​the fair seemed inadequate.

This festival of producers and farmers attracts like a magnet tens of thousands of visitors. Annually, around 15,000 people are expected to come to see the elite specimens of the farmers, taste the goodies of the producers and shop. All seasoned with mutton and piglet and folkloric music.

The Popouti agro-zoo fair is the perfect place where supply and demand meet. At the entrance to the fair area, there is a real mobile market, where only genuine producers exhibit, from shepherds with fresh curds and other cheeses from the barn to genuine beekeepers.

The latter also sell new beekeeping products, including an officially certified “bee-immuno-stimulator”, for strengthening the immune system, made by Iustin Marineasc, a beekeeper from Botošan.

Given that Botoşani is “a country” of ponds, there was no lack of producers of traditional fish delicacies, from zakusca to smoked fish. The thousands of visitors were also intoxicated by the smell of traditional pies and pastries, but also by the smell of sausages from local meat producers.

“It warms your heart when you see the fruits of these people's work. When I get here, I swear I feel proud to be from Botosan. It is wonderful to have so many traditional, natural products. Clean health. We are lucky to have them“, says a woman from Botošan present at the fair.

On the other hand, manufacturers are happy to meet customers.

“It's a tremendous opportunity for us. From those who sell natural apple juice to those with meat and honey. Here we can make ourselves known, give a business card, convince that our work is worth it, that our products are worth more than anything. Because it is often very difficult for us to make ourselves known. We don't have the funds of big companies to promote ourselves. This opportunity is extraordinary”, confesses an agricultural producer.

After feasting on pies, smoked fish or raw or dry curd, visitors did not miss the stands of traditional artisans, called to complete the offer. No less than 60 producers from all fields exhibited at this year's Popouti Fair.

“It's a long-awaited moment for farmers”

Passing beyond the area of ​​the mobile market and the paradise of the producers, through a transit area well “soaked” with the aromas of pork and ram on the proçap, you reach the farmers' sector and the exhibition spaces.

This year special emphasis was placed on local animal breeders. In most of the spaces there were the most beautiful specimens of Botoșani karakul, a true brand of the county in animal husbandry.

Moreover, a parade of the most performing and most beautiful rams from the karakul breed was organized by Botoșani. There were also breeders of purebred goats, but also of cattle with special specimens.

In a specially arranged area, thoroughbred horses could be admired, brought by Botošan farmers who are passionate about horses. A sensation, especially among the visitors, were also created by the beautiful examples of shepherd dogs in a parade dedicated to farm animals.

In total, no fewer than 70 sheep breeders, 20 cattle breeders, plus horse, goat, poultry, rabbit, pigeon and dog breeders were present.

“It is a large-scale event, where one of the long-awaited moments is the parade of Botoșani karakul rams, but also a presentation of the bulls”, says Ionică Nechifor, director of the Popouti Research Station.

Being a fair dedicated especially to farmers and producers, an area for agricultural machinery was also set up, with a particular diversity, from small vans for farm work to tractors and agricultural combines.

“We are very interested in this aspect, because farmers thus have the opportunity to see the offer of machines and especially how they could purchase them”says Ionică Nechifor, director of the Popouti Research Station.

The Popouti fair was organized by the Botoșani Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, together with the Popouti Research Station, the Moldoovis Sheep and Goat Breeders Association, the Taurine Breeders Association and the Răchiți City Hall.