Apple Festival could become annual event

The Ministry of Agriculture has submitted a formal proposal to make the National Apple Festival an annual observance on the last Saturday and Sunday of September, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Ministry notes that the apple is the main tree that can be cultivated in all areas of Moldova. “Fresh apples can be found on sale virtually all year round. Apples contain over 30 dietary minerals”, it said in its formal proposal. The authorities are hoping that the participants in the Festival will focus on identifying clear opportunities for cooperation and on exchanging experience in implementing modern technologies of cultivating apples. Moldova annual output of apples is roughly 220,000 tonnes. From 50% to 70% of the production is exported, 20-30% is processed and the remaining 10-20% is marketed fresh.