USAID continues to support Moldova's fruit sector

Chisinau, Dec. 15 /MOLDPRES/- USAID announced today that through its projects, it will continue to provide strategic support to the fruit sector in the Republic of Moldova to ensure competitiveness and sustainability.

USAID's key partner in the development of the fruit sector is the Moldova Fruct Association. The support offered to the association since 2007 has contributed substantially to the development of the capacities of fruit producers, the implementation of new production technologies, the planting of new fruit varieties and investments in post-harvest infrastructure, packaging etc. USAID's sources contributed to the promotion of fruits at the international level by participating in the most important exhibitions, field missions, study visits and to the development and promotion of the brand for Moldovan fruits "Moldova taste makes the difference".

USAID Moldova Director Jeff Bryan said that USAID is proud of the impressive stages of fruit market diversification achieved with the support of the grant activities implemented by Moldova Fruct.

“Over the years, USAID has provided extensive support to Moldovan agricultural producers in their efforts to reduce their dependence on traditional markets and access Western markets. Moldova Fruct Association remains a key partner of USAID in this effort and we are proud of the goals we have achieved together. This new financing of USD 950,000 aims to accelerate the diversification of exports and the integration of the Moldovan fruit sector in Western markets. Building on the success of previous grants, this program will emphasize strategic communication, promote the development of marketing and sales skills, push the Board of Directors of Moldova Fruct to get involved in shaping the Horticultural Office and mobilize support from the private sector", Jeff Bryan said.

In 2023, Moldova became the largest exporter of fresh plums in the northern hemisphere (78,000 tons), of which 76% went to the European Union. In the 2022/23 season, for the first time, table grape deliveries to Western markets exceeded those to the Eurasian Economic Union.