Training program for winemakers launched with USAID support

Chisinau, 2 July /MOLDPRES/- Representatives of over 40 small wineries in the country participated in the first training, organized within the Mircești Winery, Ungheni district. The study is part of a training program for small winemakers, which will take place in the coming weeks with the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Project on High-Value Agriculture in Moldova.

The training focused on the establishment and management of super-intensive vineyards, innovative and cost-effective wine production practices, wastewater management in the conditions of a small winery, etc. Also, the small winemakers were informed about the possibility of developing a profitable business by combining the activity of wine production with tourism.

Many small winemakers face a lack of knowledge and experience in developing viable wine businesses and implementing advanced wine production technologies.

According to Arcadie Fonea, the owner of the Mircești Winery and the president of the Association of Small Wine Producers of Moldova, small winemakers must focus on producing high quality artisanal wines with a focus on sustainable technologies, with minimal impact on the environment, preserving biodiversity and capitalizing on geographical advantages. the tourist potential of the region. "The small winemaker is a creative man and cannot compete with large wine production companies, because the purpose of their activity is different and the taste of their wine is different," said Foșnea.

Currently, the Association of Small Wine Producers brings together 50 small wine producers, who exploit over 400 hectares of vines, annually produce over 600 thousand bottles of wine, placed on the local market and exported to 17 states. The wines were appreciated with over 270 medals at international competitions.

photo: USAID