Nine grape producers from Cahul and Taraclia ready to export to the EU
Nine small and medium-sized table grape producers from the Cahul and Taraclia districts have recently received the international Global GAP certification. This certification will enable them to participate in the European Union market supply chain as exporters. Obtaining this international document marks the successful completion of a comprehensive program that included training, mentoring, and technical preparation throughout the year, aimed at helping these producers meet the quality and safety requirements of the European Union market.
Cristina Marcenco, from the village of Baurci-Moldoveni in the Cahul district, manages a peasant household with her husband. She is among the producers who obtained an international certification and emphasizes that the process was challenging, but ultimately rewarding.
"I led the group and guided five people through the process. It was a new experience for me. We grow "Moldova" table grapes on about 50 hectares, and we successfully received our certification. Although it was difficult and there were many requirements, I wouldn’t say it was impossible to meet them. We had to establish rules within the household, manage documentation, and maintain order in the plantations. We began working as a group in March, and by September 3, we were ready for certification," said Marcenco during an interview on the "Zi de Zi" show on Radio Moldova.
After obtaining the international certificate, Cristina Marcenco noted visible improvements: "A large part of our production is now exported to Poland and Romania. Previously, we were exporting to the Russian Federation and Belarus, but we no longer have access to those markets. Instead, we now reach the European market, which makes us proud. We demonstrate that we can produce high-quality grapes and that we are hardworking people."
In addition, Nicolae Susan from the village of Ursoaia, Căușeni district, also earned the international GlobalGAP certificate along with his son, Stefan. Having had the opportunity to work in France, he chose to return home to develop an agricultural business.
"In 2006, I returned home and planted my first hectare of vineyards. Currently, we manage six hectares of table grape vines and ten hectares of peach and nectarine orchards. For the past four years, my son Stefan has been on this journey with me, and together we confront every challenge. From the start, we faced difficulties with the sales market, especially when intermediaries drove prices down. We began building refrigeration facilities to improve our selling conditions. The hardest part of obtaining the certification was overcoming my initial emotions. At age 59, I found myself back in a learning position, and when I saw the thick folder containing 33 requirements, I approached it with patience and optimism. I was determined to adapt and improve, aiming to access higher-quality markets. My son is now planting another 4 hectares of table grape varieties. The challenge of achieving GlobalGAP certification gives us a strong incentive to comply with regulations and ensure that we produce quality goods for the European market," shared Nicolae Susan.
Ior Malai, another farmer from Ursoaia, is now authorized to export to the European market: "We need to produce higher quality to earn greater appreciation, especially since many markets are closing to us while others are opening. Certification is a significant step in meeting these requirements."
According to Andrei Cumpanici, an associate professor, the implementation of GlobalGAP standards has been ongoing for 20 years: "We have gained valuable experience over this time. The requirements under this standard adhere to both national legislation and the laws of the countries to which we will export our food products. These standards primarily focus on food safety and also include worker welfare and environmental protection. The evolution of these standards has become increasingly stringent. From 114 requirements in 2005-2006, we now have 191-192 requirements," he explained.
Official data indicates that there are 36 small- and medium-sized table grape producers in our country with GlobalGAP certification. The nine producers who recently obtained their certificates received support from the "Moldova Fruit" Association, as well as from Switzerland and the "Helvetas Moldova" Organization through the "Optim" Project.
Author: Natalia Mogîldea
