This year’s apple harvest is by 35% lower than last year. The table grapes yield is by 20% smaller, while the technical grapes yield – by 35%. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ion Sula said that even if the harvested volume of technical grapes is lower, the quality of these grapes is higher, IPN reports.

The official said that it was a difficult year for vegetable growers. These were seriously affected by the drought in the atmosphere and in the national rivers and lakes. The demand for vegetables will be mostly satisfied with imported products.

Ion Sula noted that the volume of exported grapes is now similar to last year’s, while of exported apples is larger because a number of companies were authorized to export apples to Russia. The producers also export the plums kept in cold storage facilities.

As regards fodder security, the minister said there will be enough fodder in 2015-2016, but the prices will be higher because the harvest was lower. The growers who experience serious difficulties could be provided with fodder by the state, as in 2007 and 2012, so that these keep the livestock.