---
title: "Moldova balances farmers' demands and Ukrainian grain transit"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/83382/moldova-balances-farmers-demands-and-ukrainian-grain-transit
published: 2026-08-18T04:30:00Z
language: en
author: "Dumitru Petruleac"
section: "Economic"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova balances farmers' demands and Ukrainian grain transit

> Moldova must support local farmers without restricting assistance to Ukraine, President Maia Sandu stated during a national radio broadcast. Blocking the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products could carry far more severe consequences for the country, she warned.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/fcb4993b-dda7-44d2-a73b-43e1ee3807ea.jpg)

Moldova must support local farmers without restricting assistance to Ukraine, President Maia Sandu stated during a national radio broadcast. Blocking the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products could carry far more severe consequences for the country, she warned.

The statement followed threats of mass protests from local agricultural producers. The Farmers' Force Association demanded government action by August 21 regarding grain transit controls, import licensing, and proposed value-added tax increases.

**Strategic support for regional stability**

President Sandu emphasized that Moldova cannot turn its back on Ukraine, noting that assistance extends beyond financial or military aid. Facilitating agricultural transit remains a crucial form of support.

If Ukraine cannot sell its products, its ability to defend itself diminishes, creating broader risks for the entire region, Sandu explained. She urged authorities to establish mechanisms that protect domestic producers while maintaining smooth transit channels.

**Rail discounts and market pressure**

On August 10, Moldova and Ukraine agreed to transport Ukrainian cargo via Moldovan Railways (CFM). Chisinau granted a 50% discount on rail freight transit, a move expected to generate several million euros (€2,000,000; approx. 39,200,000 MDL) in revenue for CFM.

However, local farmers raised concerns during an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan on August 14. Producers argue that lower rail transit tariffs risk depressing domestic grain and oilseed prices.

**Logistical expansion under way**

Ukraine plans to export up to six million metric tons of cargo through regional routes during the 2026 agricultural year. Moldova aims to capture approximately 10% of this transport volume.

Concurrently, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development is upgrading rail infrastructure. The expansion aims to boost CFM capacity, prioritizing domestic agricultural freight alongside international transit flows.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**