Vegetable growers in Moldova are struggling to sell their harvests despite high yields, with some leaving crops unharvested or selling directly from fields due to limited market access and import competition.
In Ignăței, Rezina district, grower Andrei Ionașcu, who has cultivated vegetables for 14 years, was unable to find buyers for dozens of tons of tomatoes. After a week of unsuccessful sales attempts in Chișinău, part of his harvest spoiled.
Despite holding a trading contract valid until 2028, Ionașcu was unable to access the Rezina market with his delivery vehicle due to space restrictions.
He subsequently began roadside sales and invited customers to harvest tomatoes directly from his fields. Daily sales range from 300 to 400 kilograms at €0.26 (approximately US$0.30) per kilogram, covering only part of his operating costs.
Rodion Gudim, executive director of the Association of Vegetable Producers and Exporters, said unsold tomatoes remain in several districts due to low prices and a lack of advance supply contracts.
The association recommends negotiating supply agreements between November and February, before planning the following season's cultivation.
Meanwhile, Moldova imported 84,400 tons of vegetables in 2025, an increase of 16 per cent compared with 2024.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
