Moldovan entrepreneur proves modern agriculture can reach EU markets; 99% of production exported
A farmer from the Călărași district has successfully transformed her agricultural business into an export-oriented model. Zinaida Plămădeală has achieved this by implementing modern technologies, obtaining strict international certifications, and benefiting from both European and national financial support. She manages extensive crops and high-performance infrastructure, delivering nearly all of her production to the European Union market.
Zinaida Plămădeală recently spoke with Radio Moldova about the gradual development of her business, highlighting her focus on integrating the entire production chain. She stated, "The goal was to cover the entire chain from primary production to export. Every year, we expanded the crop areas and built a cold storage facility with a capacity of 2,000 tons, equipped with sorting lines, packaging lines, and optical sorting technology that allows us to identify internal defects in the fruit."
Currently, 99% of the company's production is intended for export to the European Union, particularly to Austria, Germany, Poland, and Italy. The logistics are carefully planned, including direct deliveries from the warehouse based on the needs of external partners.
Plămădeală emphasized the competitiveness of the European market, which is characterized by strict standards. She noted, "Everyone is very pragmatic and focuses on quality and the lowest possible price to make the product as competitive as possible. Other products, such as table grapes and seedless varieties, are also starting to gain popularity."
Investments in technology and adherence to quality standards are crucial for accessing these markets. Plămădeală believes that these standards should be uniformly applied: "These conditions should be respected by all producers; they are legal conditions related to safety and health."
The growth of her business has also been supported by financing programs. "With every investment we made, we received support from the state. A significant portion of our funding came from there," she explained, referring to grants and subsidies.
During the agricultural season, the farm employs over 100 workers, with about 30 being permanent employees. "We strive to be fair, to pay decent wages, and to have a fair attitude toward our employees," she mentioned.
External factors, such as geopolitical conditions and border blockages, also influence their activities. To address these challenges, Plămădeală relies on dialogue and institutional cooperation: "We try to resolve these problems diplomatically, discreetly, and professionally."
Looking ahead, Zinaida Plămădeală emphasized the importance of innovation and education in agriculture, especially in light of Moldova's goal to join the European Union by 2030: "Our practical work involves implementing sustainable practices and investing in education so that agriculture becomes the foundation for the future."
Last year, her company delivered over a thousand tons of plums to European markets. Plămădeală expressed her pride in seeing Moldovan products on store shelves abroad: "I am proud of the results, not only my own, but when I see any company from Moldova represented on the shelves of large stores."
Zinaida Plămădeală’s story illustrates the transformation of Moldovan agriculture into a competitive sector, bolstered by investment, innovation, and openness to the European market.
Author: Veronica Scorpan
