MP Vasile Tarlev planted walnut trees in an orchard in Balabanesti village, Criuleni raion. The event organised at the end of the week was also attended by the leadership of the Government Office, the advisers of the PM, leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The high officials decided in this way to contribute to implementing the Government decision, according to which near the national and local roads, as well as near railroads, walnut trees are to be planted. “According to the estimations of the scientists, the quality of the walnut kernel is not influenced by the place where the trees are planted, and Moldova has all the necessary conditions for massively growing and selling walnuts and related products”, Vasile Tarlev specified. About 600 hectares of walnut trees were planted in Moldova in 2006, against 400 hectares planned at first. Walnut trees are planned to be planted on a minimal area of 800 hectares in 2007. This year, MDL 3 mln are included in the fund for encouraging the development of nut bearing species. According to statistics, 10 thousand tonnes of walnut kernels are exported annually at the price of EUR 5 per kg. The nut species can generate a profit of over USD 4 thousand from one hectare of plantation annually.