Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Vasile Șarban, emphasized the need for Moldova to develop its tomato production. "We must ensure our domestic market has local production. We need access to water, affordable fertilizers, phytosanitary products, and quality seeds. When it comes to exports, small producers must cooperate, or large-scale producers should emerge," Șarban explained, commenting on Moldova's export potential.
The former Minister of Economy, Dumitru Alaiba, noted that Moldova exported tomatoes to the EU market for the first time in 2024, amounting to 22.3 tons. "Yes, it's a modest figure, but it's just the beginning. Every major achievement starts with small steps. For example, cherry exports grew from 38 tons in 2019 to 1,800 tons in 2024—a 48-fold increase," he previously stated.
Nicolai Negară, Executive Director of the Association of Vegetable Producers and Exporters, pointed out that Moldova can currently fully supply itself only with root vegetables like beets, onions, and carrots.
Despite having a local tomato season, Moldova continues to import vegetables from ten different countries. "Many producers are unregistered and sell informally. They lack the cooperation needed for stable supply chains, which is essential for exports and working with large retailers," the expert added.
Water supply remains another critical issue. "Farmers far from the Dniester River struggle with water access, and irrigation permits are difficult to obtain. Additionally, pond leaseholders are often reluctant to share water resources," Negară concluded.
Source: agroexpert.md