The exports of agrifood products in January – August rose by 11.7% compared with the corresponding period last year, to US$574 million. The figures were presented by Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vasile Bumacov in a news conference, IPN reports.

According to the official, the exports of products of vegetal origin increased by 30%, while of sunflower seeds doubled. However, the wine exports represented 18% of the total exports.

The grain production came to 3 million tonnes, up 43.5% compared with the last three years. Wheat production totaled 996,000 tonnes, almost 50% up on the previous years. The sunflower harvest amounted to 544,000 tonnes, while the sugar beet yield was 910,000 tonnes. There will be produced 110,000 tonnes of sugar.

The grape production added up to 390,000 tonnes, 315,000 tonnes of which were sorts for wine, while 75,000 tonnes were sorts of table grapes.

The imports of agrifood products came to US$510.3 million, an increase of 10% on January – August last year.