Several agricultural producers aligned with European quality requirements this year

Chisinau, Dec. 20 /MOLDPRES/- USAID Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity this year provided support for 12 agricultural companies in implementing food quality and safety requirements. The adaptation to the standards on compliance with good agricultural practices ensures access of Moldovan fruits to the European Union market.

"In the 2023 agricultural season, Moldova has managed to export record quantities of cherries, plums and grapes to the EU market. This growth was also catalyzed by the GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP certificates obtained by Moldovan farmers. It is important to mention that for the certified fruits, the producers managed to obtain higher prices, the fruits being sold in the large supermarket chains in Europe", USAID manager Andrei Cumpanici said.

As a rule, Moldovan producers implement GLOBALG.A.P. standards on apples, cherries, plums, apricots and table grapes. 

Strawberry, horn and blackcurrant producers aligned to the GlobalG.A.P. and GRASP requirements in 2023 for the first time.

The GLOBALG.A.P. standard requirements refers to the production process, from the selection of agricultural land to the delivery of fruits and vegetables to the market, responsible approach to the health and safety of workers etc. Implementation of the requirements contributes to complying with national and European legislation by minimizing negative effects on the environment, reducing the use of phytosanitary products and responsible approach to the health and safety of workers. Compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. standards is a mandatory requirement for export-oriented producers in EU member countries.