Moldova's 2025 walnut harvest is projected to be 20–30% lower than last year, even under favorable weather conditions moving forward, according to the Walnut Growers Association of Moldova (ANRM), Logos Press reports.
In 2024, the country produced around 23,000 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, according to ANRM and the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC). However, three separate frost events in April and early May have significantly impacted walnut orchards, particularly early varieties developed locally or in Moldovan-Ukrainian breeding programs.
For Chandler, the main export-oriented American walnut variety, more reliable harvest estimates are expected by early June. Meanwhile, some later-flowering European (mostly French) cultivars are still in bloom, with clearer forecasts anticipated by the end of the first week of June.
Heavy rainfall that began last week and continues this week may benefit fruit development, especially for early and mid-season varieties. However, ANRM chairman Oleg Tîrsînă cautions that increased rainfall will also require growers to strengthen phytosanitary controls to prevent disease outbreaks.
Source: logos-pres.md
