From family needs to a thriving herd: How a Moldovan couple built a dairy legacy in Sadaclia
What began with just two goats to provide fresh milk for their children has blossomed into a professional agricultural business. In the village of Sadaclia, Basarabeasca district, Maria and Sergiu Garaba have spent two decades transforming a small family initiative into a successful farm that sustains their household and serves the local market.
The expansion was driven by curiosity and a commitment to quality. Sergiu Garaba recounts how he began experimenting with different breeds, gradually growing the business. Today, the family manages a herd of 160 goats.
Daily dedication to quality
Farm life demands a rigorous daily routine with no fixed hours or holidays. The workload includes feeding, sanitizing the facilities, and milking. During the holidays, demand for goat products surges, requiring even more intense labor from the couple.
Maria Garaba emphasizes that hygiene is their top priority. She manages the cleaning and disinfection of all equipment to ensure that the milk remains pure and meets the highest quality standards for their customers.
Modernization through cooperation
Securing enough financial resources for modernization remains a significant challenge for small-scale farmers in Moldova. To overcome this, the Garaba family joined the OviCaprin Cimișlia-Basarabeasca Cluster, partnering with other farm owners from the southern region.
Through cluster-led projects, they secured the necessary support to build a larger stable. This infrastructure has allowed them to scale their operations and manage a significantly higher number of livestock.
Deep roots and family values
Despite having worked abroad, the couple chose to build their future at home. Maria Garaba explains that their business keeps them connected to their homeland and their heritage. Being present to see their children grow up within the family circle is their greatest reward.
For more success stories, tune in to the "Pământ și oameni" program, broadcast every Sunday at 14:00 on Moldova 1.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
