Domestic nut production has increased by 55% over the course of the last five years, which places Moldova among the main nut producing countries. Over the last five years, the contribution of the food industry and agriculture to GDP has accounted for more than 20%, providing about 45% of the total volume of exports, while employing more than 30% of the workforce.

A Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment press release reads that while the share of value-added agriculture and employment has declined over the years in Moldova, the nut sector has continued to be an engine of economic growth and a means of poverty reduction.

According to National Bureau of Statistics data, there are a total of 34.7 thousand ha of nut crops, of which 20.90 are orchards. Compared to 2018, the area used for nut cultivation has increased by about four thousand ha.

The total 2020 nut production decreased to 14.70 thousand tons, which is five thousand tons less compared to 2019, as a result of natural disasters and severe drought.

Of the total 2020 nut crop harvest, about 12.7 thousand tons were exported, the total value of which amounted to about $71.7 million. About 79% of exports reached EU countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Austria, etc. Between January-August 2021, about four thousand tons of nut products have been exported.

According to forecasts, this year's harvest will total more than 25 thousand tons of nut crops, obtained from orchards, as well as from alignment strips.