Since 2006, when Russia imposed a ban on the import of a series of Moldovan agrifood products, neither the authorities nor the producers have taken measures to protect themselves from another possible shock. The authorities didn’t implement protection policies, while the farmers and processors didn’t insist on them, economic analyst Viorel Chivriga said in the program “Public space” on Radio Moldova station, IPN reports.

According to Viorel Chivriga, nothing was done during 10 years. We now ask for money from donors and partners from abroad. Effort should have been made to improve the quality of the products. “If our products had been of a high quality, they would have been welcomed on any market. Now we have to struggle in order to enter a market. Immediate solutions must be found,” said the analyst, underlining that the donors and European partners will do nothing if Moldova does not do its homework.

He also said that some of the producers will not cope with the EU requirements and will disappear or will go abroad. “It is a situation when we must cope ourselves. We must also show cohesion. We should take steps to help the producers,” stated Viorel Chivriga.

In the same program, the head of the Union of Associations of Agricultural Producers “UniAgroProtect” Alexandru Slusari said the current situation of the agricultural producers is very difficult, while the requirements as regards sorting, packing etc. are very strict.

“We will be unable to make use of the opportunities offered by the EU during several months. These chances can be taken next year or in several years. It will be impossible to reorient a large part of the production to other countries,” he stated, adding that there are only 15 lines for sorting fruit and vegetables in Moldova and half of them will start work in autumn.

Alexandru Slusari also said that financial resources should be identified to compensate the producers and exporters for the sustained losses so that they can survive this autumn.

Russia banned the import of fresh and canned fruit and vegetables from Moldova last month.