---
title: "Moldova lacks sufficient vegetable, meat, and milk production for domestic needs"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/86569/moldova-lacks-sufficient-vegetable-meat-and-milk-production-for-domestic-needs
published: 2026-09-30T17:00:00Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "Social"
source: moldova1.md
---

# 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.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/56fbed86-b0e5-4f04-a74a-824706387e03.jpg)

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).