Fruit sector going through unprecedented period - Moldovan producers say

Chisinau, April 29 / MOLDPRES /- Fruit producers, members of the Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters Moldova Fruct met at the General Assembly of the Association. The participants mentioned that the fruit sector in the Republic of Moldova is going through an unprecedented period, and in order to face the challenges, support from the state and development partners is needed.

"Expenditures on the means of production and logistical disruptions related to the war in Ukraine put us in front of a new reality. This requires us all to mobilize quickly and without delay to modernize the fruit sector. There is a need to implement a clear reform agenda that facilitates access to innovative means of production and the identification of new markets, new transport corridors and logistics for fruit exports. These topics must become the zero priority for professional fruit growers, for state institutions and hopefully for our development partners as well ", said Vitalie Gorincioi, Moldova Fruct head.

The efforts of the Moldova Fruit Association to promote the export of fruit to alternative markets, with the support of development partners and recently by the Government have yielded good results, but are far from encompassing the entire sector and eliminating the risks posed by excessive dependence on a single export market. "Dependence on a single market puts fruit exports at uncontrolled risk. The fruit season 2022-2023 is a turning point, and fruit producers have to find alternative markets for 98% of Moldovan apples for export, 50% of plums and grapes and 100% of cherries, quantities that are usually exported mainly to Russia ", a communiqué of the Association reads.

Attending the event, Vladimir Bolea, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Industry emphasized the role of Moldova Fruct in lobbying for fruit growers, as well as in promoting fruit internationally. "I congratulate you for being part of this association. The state supports the agricultural sector, the subsidy fund has been increased, but we also expect the payment of taxes from farmers so that we can develop as a state further ", he said.

Moldova Fruct Association represents 180 enterprises operating in the agricultural field: producers, processors, fruit exporters, as well as service providers. An essential objective of the organization is to diversify the markets for high quality fruits from Moldova: apples, plums, cherries, apricots, table grapes, as well as processed products.

Photo: Moldova Fruct