Support for Moldovan farmers: Producers welcome EU fruit export decision
Moldovan farmers are pleased with the European Union's decision to increase export quotas for plums, apples, table grapes, and cherries. Following the official announcement, Teleradio-Moldova journalists spoke with several local producers who expressed that expanded access to the European market is a significant step toward supporting the agricultural sector.
Ștefan Bîtlan will benefit from the new provisions of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. In the 2024-2025 season, he exported approximately 2,200 tons of table grapes and over 3,000 tons of apples to countries such as the Netherlands, Romania, Belgium, and Spain. The volume of plums was even higher, reaching 8,400 tons.
"Respect for calibers, adherence to maximum residue standards, and compliance with pesticide norms are essential to ensure that we do not exceed the maximum permissible levels, depending on the number of active products—2, 3, or 4, as needed. There are many standards to meet. We must focus on the community block, as it is nearby and allows for quick delivery. While exporting apples to the United Arab Emirates and India is wonderful, it is crucial for our producers to stay aware of the ongoing natural process of globalization," says fruit producer Ștefan Bîtlan.
The trade share of apples has increased by 25%, rising from 40,000 tons to 50,000 tons. Producers in the northern part of the country find this encouraging.
"If I were to speak about quantity, it’s still not enough, but at the moment it is satisfactory, as we currently do not export even 40,000 tons. However, the fact that discussions and agreements are being held between the Republic of Moldova and the European Community is a significant advantage. We have exported to Sweden and the United Kingdom. The quality of the apples is good, and payments have been received," says Valeriu Matcovschi, another fruit producer.
To support local producers in exporting and promoting their goods in foreign markets, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization prepared several support measures, as announced by Doina Nistor on the Public Broadcaster.
"We have multiple support funds for producers and additional funds for exports that will be launched this autumn through the Investment Agency. This will enable our producers to promote themselves at exhibitions and forge new partnerships," explains Doina Nistor, the Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization.
In 2024, the Republic of Moldova achieved a historic milestone in fruit exports, totaling 280,000 tons with a value of $282 million. The majority of these exports were directed to the European Union market, which remains the country's main trading partner in the fruit sector.
