ADP experts say Moldova is wasting its opportunities to transform the favourable climate for table grapes into profits from export

Moldova is wasting crucial opportunities to transform its favourable climate for table grape varieties into profits from export, say the experts of the Agribusiness Development Project (ADP). They say that the sector of table grapes has backtracked over the past 10 years in terms of yields as well as cultivated area, in spite of the fact that international demand for table grapes is on the increase. Currently, there are 20 thousand hectares used for grapes cultivation, compared to 28 thousand hectares used in 1995. The quantity of table grapes produced in 2006 represents half of the average quantity for 2001-2004. Deficiencies in this sector are caused by the lack of vineyards with new types of table grapes, lack of an organised infrastructure for the collection and storage in cool deposits of table grapes, the lack of knowledge and financial mechanisms to stimulate developments in this sector. In an effort to respond to such difficulties, the ADP, financed by the USAID and implemented by the U.S. Company CNFA Inc., are organising on September 13, 2007, the seminar Cluster for Table Grapes. The event organised in collaboration with the Agency “Moldova-Vin”, the National Institute for Viticulture and Wine Production and the Agricultural State University will bring together producers, processors, financial institutions, researchers, consultants, government and NGO representatives. ADP researchers and consultants will make presentations concerning world trends in the area of table grapes production, the current situation of the sector in Moldova, the new varieties of table grapes recommended and the financial mechanisms available to producers. The second part of the day will be reserved for demonstrational slots made by the Moldovan-American company Sauron Ltd (Hirtop Village, Cimislia district). ADP is a 5 year project implemented by the CNFA, non-profit US based organisation. Launched in June, 2004, the ADP offers consultancy services in business and technical assistance to farmers, local producers in order to enhance competitiveness in the agricultural sector and in order to increase benefits and income in rural areas as well as extend employment opportunities.