Moldovan producers demand purchase price of apples for processing equivalent to regional one

Chisinau, 13 September /MOLDPRES/ – Several producers of Moldova have requested a purchase price of apples for processing equal to the price offered on regional markets. This and other issues have been discussed by the members of the Council on product line Vegetables – Fresh and processed fruits, which have met, on Thursday, 12 September, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (MADRM), where there have also participated representatives of the Competition Council (CC), Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MEI), National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA).

The manufacturers have mentioned that in Ukraine, Romania and Poland the purchase price for processing is about 10 – 12 eurocents. They also accused the processors in Moldova of having "an agreement in this regard and offers a purchase price per kg of apples, much lower compared to production costs."

In this context, as a short – term solution, incumbent minister, Georgeta Mincu, proposed to processors and producers, representatives of ministries involved, to present a list of prices on the regional markets, and the members of the Council on the product line to agree on a price. of reference.

Another solution to support apple producers would be to identify the possibilities of processing fruit for the delivery of juice to several public institutions – education, hospitals, armed forces and penitentiaries.

At the same time, Association Moldova Fruct will present project: One apple per day for each pupil. Also, the producers were advised to consult the opportunities of the programmes and grants offered by the development partners, in order to build in Moldova a fruit processing plant.

All the topics discussed and the proposals launched were indicated in a letter addressed to the Government, Parliamentary Profile Committee and CC.

In March 2019, at its general meeting, the Association Moldova Fruct submitted to MADRM a series of proposals, among which are – the increase of the National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Environment, intensification of the negotiations with EU to increase the quotas to export of plums and grapes, including the negotiation of import quotas for apples, free of charge, with Egypt, ensuring the sufficient number of transport authorisations, as well as approving Program Apples in Schools.

The Fruit Producers and Exporters Association Moldova Fruct consists of over 170 members. It is the most representative association, which focuses its activity on developing the horticultural sector in Moldova and promoting interests of its members.