Milk production in the Republic of Moldova decreased significantly during the last 25 years. In 1990 the Moldovan firms yearly produced almost 1 million and a half of tonnes of milk, but now yield about 400,000 tonnes. The data were presented by Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Ion Parea in an international conference entitled “Quality and safety of milk” on September 27, IPN reports.

“In 1990, most of the animals were publicly owned. The potential was then concentrated in agricultural enterprises. Now many animals are privately owned and the results achieved in the private sector are different from those achieved in other states,” said Ion Parea, noting that the sector needs to be urgently recovered.

Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko said the export of milk to the EU market is monitored strictly. Moldova, if it wants to export this product, should analyze the deficiencies in the sector and adjust its policies to consolidate production halls so as to meet the EU standards. “Actions need to be taken to adopt legislation, to carry out inspections, to monitor and supervise the health of animals,” stated Peter Michalko.

Director general of the National Food Safety Agency Gheorghe Gaberi confirmed that they aim to obtain the right to export milk products to the EU. “The Republic of Moldova during many years exported ice-cream and other products containing milk to the EU member states. We set the objective of regaining this right,” stated Gheorghe Gaberi.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, milk production in 2016 decreased by 0.8% compared with 2015, as a result of a 10.1% reduction in the average number of cows at agricultural enterprises and a 1.9% decline in the number of cows at private households.