Moldovan siblings build a modern sea buckthorn farm
After several years spent abroad, Silvia and Victor Stoica chose to return home and build a future in agriculture.
Determined to turn the land inherited from their grandparents into a productive asset, they worked alongside their father to transform a few plots near Hârjauca commune, Călărași district, into a modern Sea Buckthorn Farm in Moldova, where the family works side by side.
The siblings inject new energy and innovative ideas, while their father provides invaluable experience and knowledge. They shared their story, detailing how they developed this agribusiness success and whether they ever regretted that initial decision.
Today, the Stoica family manages 17 hectares of organic sea buckthorn, operates their own nursery, and runs a modern cold storage complex—which Victor describes as "the only one of its type in the country." This success stems from a decision made back in 2015, just as sea buckthorn cultivation was gaining ground in Moldova.
“We grew up consuming it, so we were naturally drawn to sea buckthorn. It seemed like an interesting plant for human health,” he recounts.
Their return coincided with the chance to buy land near their grandfather's village, in a clean air zone situated between forests.
“We produce organic sea buckthorn, using natural, organic fertilizers like compost,” Victor explains. They began planting in 2017, implementing a phased planting approach over three to four years. The orchard is now in full fruit production, and the business has shifted from wholesale trade to in-house processing.
The resulting products are varied.
“Oil is the most beneficial, in my view. In its fresh form, consumers get everything sea buckthorn offers—Vitamin C, A, and E. We also make a very popular mix called Imonosat, which includes ginger, turmeric, and black pepper. We also produce pasteurized desserts, dried sea buckthorn, and seeds,” Victor enumerates.
These investments were secured through various support projects for entrepreneurs. “We got the guarantee from ODA support. We are grateful and happy that such programs are available,” he says.
They also installed a rapid freezing system, which is indispensable for ensuring the quality of products destined for more demanding markets. “There is competition, certainly. You might not make money in competition, but it raises the quality standard,” Victor states.
Stoica products reach local consumers and are also available through distributors. “We let our finished product speak for itself. We focus on quality,” explains the young entrepreneur.
Working as a family is not without its challenges, but the siblings have found a formula for collaboration. “There are disagreements, but the goal is common. Ideas are debated, and the most rational choice is made. We work closely with consumer feedback and with ANSA on shelf-life terms,” Victor notes.
The family is actively working to familiarize consumers with the benefits of these berries. “Here in Moldova, people know sea buckthorn for Vitamin C. In the West, sea buckthorn oil is promoted as omega-7 oil. If the extraction is high-quality, a kilogram of wholesale oil can fetch up to 200 euros,” he asserts.
Despite working with their products daily, Victor emphasizes moderation. “I’m not saying it needs to be consumed every day. Do a month or two to cure of the oil. Introduce superfood berries into your diet, not just sea buckthorn. Aronia, for example, has even more antioxidants,” the young entrepreneur recommends.
The future of the business looks promising, and the two siblings are already developing new product formulations. Asked what message he would send to young people starting their own venture, Victor’s answer is sincere:
“Choose your passion well. Don't do something just for money. Put your goals on paper, ask yourselves where you want to be in 1, 3, or 5 years, and plan for the long term. If you want something overnight—good luck. It’s quite difficult. Those who have succeeded are happy to share ideas. Knock on every door. If one closes, knock on another. If you want an entrepreneur’s life, forget about fixed hours and, most importantly, believe in what you do,” Victor Stoica urged.
Sea buckthorn contains approximately 200 nutrients. One of its most well-known properties is stimulating immunity, thanks to a high concentration of phytoncides and Vitamin C. Sea buckthorn fruits retain their Vitamin C even after freezing, and just a few spoons of sea buckthorn oil satisfy the daily requirement of Vitamin E.
Products rarely contain Vitamins C and E in such high concentrations, but sea buckthorn boasts a “winning trio”—it is also rich in carotenoids, which convert to Vitamin A. Furthermore, sea buckthorn contains a considerable amount of B-group vitamins, Vitamin P, and Vitamin K.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
