Moldova's overall grape harvest this year to be up to 35% lower than last year

Chisinau, Aug 23 /MOLDPRES/- Overall grape harvest in Moldova this year will be up to 35% lower than last year, between 3 and 12 tons of grapes per hectare. Details on the state of vineyards and estimates of the overall grape production for this year were discussed at a meeting of the Council on Grapes, wine, wine-based products and processed products (CP FVV) product chain, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) has reported.

According to the data, the supply of grapes for processing in 2024 is estimated at up to 220 thousand tons, compared to 263 thousand tons processed in 2023. "Specialists expressed major concerns about the current state of vineyards. About 75% of vineyard areas are affected by severe or moderate water stress, and only 25% of locations have maintained optimal soil moisture. Due to extremely high temperatures during March-July 2024, the phenological phase of berry ripening started 14-16 days earlier than in 2023, resulting in a mass harvest of wine grapes as early as August 12, compared to the first decade of September in the previous year," MAIA said.

The expenses for the care of vineyards for 2024 were presented and analyzed at the meeting, based on data provided by several winegrowers. Thus, the maintenance costs, including the annual amortization of capital investments, are estimated between 45 and 60 thousand lei per hectare. The cost price of grapes of European varieties for winemaking varies considerably depending on the location, assortment, age of the vineyard, technology applied and yield per hectare.

In the context of these costs and falling production, the CP FVV recommended that purchase prices be set in the range of 5.00-7.00 lei per kilogram of wine grapes. In order to stimulate the production of a higher quality raw material, it is proposed to differentiate purchase prices according to the variety and quality of grapes.

Wineries are advised to negotiate prices on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the recommendations of the CP FVV. "Grapes should be purchased on the basis of clear contracts stipulating quality conditions, harvesting deadlines and payment terms. It is also important for wineries to comply with the legal provisions, receiving grapes only from vineyards registered in the Wine Register," according to the source.

To ensure the sustainable development of the wine sector, grape producers are encouraged to work closely with wineries by establishing long-term partnerships. Also, in order to survive in a difficult market economy, producers, especially small producers, are advised to form associations, producer groups and to keep informed about training opportunities in order to achieve a high level of competence and run successful businesses. It is also essential to register the wine-growing plots of production-merchandise in the Moldovan Wine Register.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry warns that as of February 1, 2026, provisions supplementing the Law on Vine and Wine with a new chapter - Contractual Relations - will come into force. These provisions specify that any delivery of wine sector products on the territory of the Republic of Moldova must be subject to a written contract between the parties or an offer of contract, issued in written form by the first buyer.