Moldova is rapidly developing its post-harvest infrastructure, aiming to strengthen its position on the European agricultural market. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, more than 1,000 post-harvest projects have been supported between 2022 and 2024 through the National Fund for Agricultural and Rural Development, with total investments exceeding 340 million lei (around €16 million).
"These investments in storage, sorting, packaging, and pre-cooling systems are essential for improving product competitiveness and supporting rural livelihoods," said State Secretary Andrian Digolean. He emphasized that agriculture employs hundreds of thousands of Moldovans and remains a key pillar of the national economy.
Modern facilities are helping farmers cut post-harvest losses from 10–15% to just 3–5%. Proper cooling and storage systems allow produce to be kept for up to six months without losing quality. "When farmers sell fruit immediately after harvest, the price is low, around 5 lei per kilo. If cooled, packed, and sold in winter, prices rise to 9–12 lei," noted Digolean.
Successful examples are emerging. In Bucovăț, Strășeni district, entrepreneurs have jointly built Moldova's most advanced cherry sorting and packaging line, worth over $1 million. In Ungheni, the "Berries Group" cooperative invested in modern cold storage for strawberries, reducing waste and increasing shelf life.
Source: moldova1.md
