The new regulations establish the procedure for organizing grazing, use of pastures and hayfields, oriented towards rational use of lands of this category and restoration of vegetation on them – from season to season.
At the local level, the use of pastures and hayfields will be organized in accordance with annual plans developed by local authorities. Consultations with livestock owners are required before these plans are approved. As a result, farmers will be informed in advance about the areas allocated for grazing, the periods of their use, crop rotation schemes on pastures and hayfields – with emphasis on protection of soil and vegetation health.
When allocating land, local authorities will take into account the types and categories of animals to be grazed on the respective plots and their feed requirements. Accordingly, pasture productivity and local conditions will be taken into account. Thus, pastures and meadows will be utilized in accordance with their regeneration capacity and the pressure exerted by animals on the land.
What will be required of livestock farmers?
Livestock owners utilizing pastures and meadows will comply with sector rotation, established grazing periods, and land maintenance requirements. They will be required to contribute to maintaining pastures in good condition, including through mowing and revegetation.
Grazing will not be allowed immediately after snowmelt, on wetlands, after rain, or during the vegetative dormancy of plants. These restrictions are intended to prevent soil compaction, damage to vegetation cover and reduction of pasture productivity.
For mowing of herbaceous vegetation, the new rules set an appropriate period depending on the development of plants in order to obtain quality forage and restore the vegetation cover. Every two to three years, mowing can be done later to allow plants to form seeds and support the natural regeneration of meadows.
This Decision will enter into force one month after its publication in the Official Monitor of the Republic of Moldova.
