There are markets in EU that can be used by Moldovan producers - agriculture minister says

Chisinau, 21 November /MOLDPRES/- Over 50% of all Moldovan exports are found on the European Union market, but to increase export quotas, many changes are needed at the level of domestic producers. Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Nicolae Ciubuc made the statement in an exclusive interview with MOLDPRES Agency.

“We have export quotations on the European market, but competition is very high, and there are more difficulties in placing our products. However, for such products as: grapes, cherries and plums, we have a market that can be used. In particular, this would be a solution for plum producers who have achieved great harvest this year, and whether they have faced the problem of outlet, whether goods were sold at very low prices, below production costs,” he said.

The official noted that in the context of expanding the European market, certain successes are recorded. "We already have a number of achievements. Recently, a group of our experts was in Brussels, where they had discussions to increase these quotas and eliminate more impediments for Moldovan producers," the minister said.

Among them, Ciubuc pointed out several factors - culture, marketing, quality and so on. "We still do not know well enough to promote our goods, we do not know how to present all the trumps of the manufacturer, we have difficulties in packing, calibration, sorting, etc. At the same time, our producers are experiencing communication problems, they do not speak foreign languages and, respectively, cannot bind partnerships, exchange experience, cannot promote their production. All of these things are very important in order to succeed in making a safe and well-deserved place on the European market."

"It is very important that, in the next period, first change our way of thinking. Let our producers learn to put greater value on the quality of production and not on its quantity, invest in the development of post-harvest infrastructure, learn from farmers already stated in this market and only then can we talk about other opportunities in export of agricultural production,” he concluded.

More details and specifications by the minister can be found in the video interview on the website of MOLDPRES Agency (www.moldpres.md).