The wine production and grape growing sector cannot be neglected, because, thanks to exports, it brings the most currency into Moldova, yet each producer must have its own export strategy. The statement was expressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, Georgeta Mincu at a meeting with winemakers and grape producers.
"We have a surplus of production on the market and there's no one to consume it. We have subsidizing tools to help you develop an export strategy so that we, in tandem with the foreign ministry and with economic partners, make our products as visible as possible on the market”, said the Minister of Agriculture.
At the meeting, Vineyard and Wine Coordination Council representatives listed some of the winemakers' proposals.
They said that it is important for the government's action plan to include the wine industry development plan. Winemakers asked the ministry of health to remove wine from the food category and switch it to the alcoholic products category.
Additionally, the winemakers highlighted that the lack of a free trade agreement with China makes the Chinese market unwelcoming for Moldovan wine producers.
Georgeta Mincu said that she will be leaving for China on August 22, along with wine making industry representatives. "We must have our offer very well described. The offer must be analyzed very well and adjusted to Chinese market requirements", said Georgeta Mincu.
The minister of agriculture added that the institution that she runs has reported 100 million lei worth of damages to the grape cultivation sector due to poor weather conditions. "We don't know yet how to proceed. Do we cover the damages of those affected or do we identify funds worth 100 million lei in order to subsidize a wine distillation solution?”, said Georgeta Mincu.
The minister of agriculture said that the institution will not make commitments to winemakers that it cannot honor.
