Moldova's rich soil and temperate continental climate (with warm summers and mild winters) have made the country one of the most productive agricultural regions and a major supplier of agricultural products in the region.
I remember an exchange with Helen regarding (I think) Bulgaria, which has somewhat similar conditions - generally poor, but less reliant on complex, energy driven technologies. Remember, though, that any region considered to be agriculturally productive is relying on fossil fuel intensive green revolution fertilizers and pesticides. Just because the products are hauled around by bike and cart doesn't change that.
Come to think of it a GDP / total energy use chart would be another nice data point.
you are the media you consume.
Best of all, I don't need to drive much, and can still ride a bike if need be. I have always kinda dismissed the survivalists, but now.... As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
