Moldova lacks sufficient vegetable, meat, and milk production for domestic needs
The Republic of Moldova remains dependent on imports for basic food products. Although grain and fruit production exceeds national needs, the country covers only 85% of vegetable consumption, 76% of meat consumption, 65% of potato requirements, and just over half (57%) of milk needs domestically, according to official data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
Domestic milk production totalled 282.5 thousand tonnes; the shortfall was met through imports, which reached 214.7 thousand tonnes—a 15% increase compared to 2024.
The meat production sector saw a sharp 11% decline, with national output falling to nearly 115 thousand tonnes, covering only 76 percent of the population's needs.
Regarding vegetables, domestic production rose by 13% in 2025 to 282 thousand tonnes, yet this was insufficient for domestic consumption. Consequently, imports rose by 16% to 84.4 thousand tonnes. Domestic needs were met at about 85%.
Potato production increased by 10% to reach 148.6 thousand tonnes, covering only 65% of self-sufficiency requirements.
In 2025, the self-sufficiency level for cereal crops was more than double the population's domestic needs, while for fruit, berries, and nuts, it was 1.7 times higher.
The self-sufficiency level represents a country's food security and reflects the extent to which domestic production meets total needs (domestic consumption).
