The Agricultural Tourism Delegation was organized due to the cooperation of many parties and hosted by the North Carolina – Republic of Moldova Bilateral Partnership and International Focus in Raleigh NC between March 8th and 19th, 2023. This visit contributed to the deepening of the partnership and twinning relationship in the agritourism sector initiated within the framework of “Sustainably Integrated Communities for Local Progress” (Local Bond) implemented from 2021 to 2022 by GEN Moldova in collaboration with the North Carolina-Republic of Moldova Bilateral Partnership with support from the United States Embassy in Moldova. The project aimed to build business skills by contributing to local entrepreneurial communities, exchanging experiences with US practitioners, and promoting sustainability and entrepreneurship inclusion in Moldova.
Before the work week, participants met John Byrne, the former mayor of Fuquay-Varina, who spoke to them about the history of the town and the commitment to unity and cooperation within the community that led to the transformation of the town and its growth, attracting investment and expanding its borders, achieving economic development and improving the city’s infrastructure at all levels: political, social and economic. An innovative group of people worked to support their hometown’s development in this story of excellence. A conducive environment was created so that businesses could flourish, allowing the city to grow its potential. In every room of the Fuquay Mineral Spring Inn and Garden, former Mayor Byrne described the history of the town and the state in detail. Clearly, this meeting was very useful to some delegates who take an active role in the political life of their communities.
The official program debuted at the NC Secretary of State Office that promotes international relations and the state partnership with the Republic of Moldova. The delegates were welcomed by the Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall, Chief Deputy of NC State Secretary Rodney S. Maddox, and Mrs. Lora Sinigur who serves as the liaison for the NC – Moldova Bilateral Partnership Exchanges and activities ran and extensively spoke about this unique State to State Collaboration.
On Monday, March 13 the participants started the discussion with the NC Department of Agriculture and there were relevant topics that were covered for particular delegates, and among these were the development and organization of trails, farmers’ markets, and also among other the setting of mobile platforms for NC Agriculture and tourism, which later followed by a discussion with the Agency that created the digitalization of agricultural and agritourism services. On Wednesday, March 15, the meeting with Yellow Dog creative agency supported the discussion initiated on Monday with NC Department on the efforts to integrate and digitize collaborations among different stakeholders that create an agritourism ecosystem and how Authorities, working with associations, businesses, and business support organizations to educate the consumers on the offerings and assets existent in NC. Also aligned and following that the participants had an opportunity to visit and be part of a conversation within the NC Entrepreneurship Clinic continuing the work done within the Local Bond Project ran with the support of the US Embassy and targeting local development, where the attendants had a chance to elaborate on practicalities of these collaborations. A key point of emphasis in these two meetings was the fact that universities collaborate with the state, the town, private sector to promote business development and innovation. Furthermore, the topic was developed during the meeting on Tuesday, March 14, in particular with Professors Carla Barbieri, Jose Cisneros, and Witney Knollerberg where they presented the benefits and challenges for particular companies. Hence, it stressed the importance of storytelling, establishing its comparative advantage, the creative process, and how to translate that story into perspective collaborations within the community. Several examples of multistakeholder collaborations and actions were discussed, as well as steps to shift from competitive to cooperative offerings in order to create value for consumers. In addition, a roundtable was held on the lore of marketing, communication, and branding for each participant from the Republic of Moldova with Boldrush Marketing and The Movement Media with Zak Ciotti and Rudy Sinigur.
These coaching, mentorship, and official discussions were diffused and enhanced with job shadowing opportunities and visiting companies such as the BraodslabDistillery (Family businesses), Sweet Peas Urban Gardens(Small in size, yet impactful), 321 coffee (Inclusive Entrepreneurship), Fire Clay Brewery and others. Especially they mentioned the Oyster Trail example, and the Soundside farmer Tom described the trail and discussed the value of research for his farm development.
The members said that the foremost critical lessons were on the value of multistakeholder collaborations and the distinctive forms based on their endeavors and accessible commitments inside a certain geography and thus creating benefits for each individual company and organization involved. Other than the nonmonetary associations, the delegates debated the sorts of information, innovative development, and encounter trade needed to construct the cross-cultural lining for future capital and R&D collaborations. The delegates decided that Moldovan entrepreneurs in agribusiness need to work more on their flexibility and openness to enrich their collective offer and quality of service and contribute to the growth of their assets. Also, they reviewed their ability to frame visions greater than their own company, shifting the dynamic of development and setting trends in the industry or in a location, the ability to learn while co-creating a new future while bootstrapping, progressively elaborating on different scenarios, and mapping respective response actions.
The Agenda of the visit included multiple activities in the state of North Carolina, while based in Raleigh. Some highlights of the visit included the opportunity to visit the Congresswoman of the Federal House of Representatives, Mrs. Deborah Ross, who ensured Moldova of all support in the continuous partnership between the Republic of Moldova and North Carolina.
The OW Agritourism delegates appreciated the discussions that were run within the week, each found what is more relevant to their work in their industries and the level of skill required to carry out the activities they planned in their daily work.
The delegates thanked all those who made this event memorable and pledged to continue building these relationships in the future. During the Closing Reception of the Program, the delegates expressed their appreciation to Madame Secretary of State of NC, Elaine Marshall. The North Carolina-Moldova Bilateral Partnership, the US Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, and GEN Moldova for helping to support the LOCAL BOND Inclusive, Sustainable Entrepreneurship Program on the one hand and on the other hand to International Focus, American Councils and Congressional Office for International Leadership for arranging for their Open World Agritourism Program, hosting and the amazing reception in Raleigh. As a result of the wonderful experience, they expressed gratitude to all the parties involved, including the facilitators, families, and hosting organizations.