Moldova invites farmers to talks on Ukrainian grain transit rules
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan summoned agricultural leaders to Cabinet headquarters on Thursday, August 20, for extended talks on Ukrainian grain transit across Moldova's rail network.
The Government accepted a request from the 'Farmers' Force' Association to seat a five-member delegation. Representatives from other agricultural associations will also join to build a broader sector consensus.
Officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Agriculture, and state railway executives will participate in the working session.
Preventing market disruption
The meeting aims to guarantee priority rail access for Moldovan farmers while ensuring Ukrainian grain transit does not distort the domestic agricultural market.
The 'Farmers' Force' Association recently renewed threats of nationwide protests unless progress is made by Friday, August 21, on transit controls, import licensing, and VAT policies. PM Tofan pledged earlier this week to convene all key infrastructure officials and railway managers to resolve the impasse.
Strategic transit agreement
On August 10, Moldova and Ukraine agreed on new framework terms to transport Ukrainian cargo across the Moldovan rail network.
Chisinau granted a 50% tariff reduction for Ukrainian rail transit, a measure expected to generate several million euros in revenue for Moldovan Railways (CFM). Ukraine plans to export up to six million tonnes of freight via regional routes in 2026. Moldova aims to capture roughly 10% of this volume while expanding CFM capacity to protect domestic farming logistics.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
