The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have successfully completed the design phase of a national strategy aimed at transforming the Republic of Moldova’s table grape sector into a competitive, climate-resilient, and inclusive industry. The strategy, validated during a workshop in Chișinău, includes a National Investment Plan and is the outcome of a two-year project focused on sustainable, green development and resilience in the table grape value chain. Built on a comprehensive value chain analysis using the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) methodology, the plan is expected to attract up to USD 98 million in investments by 2036, potentially increasing annual export value by 60 percent, equivalent to USD 38 million.
State Secretary Andrian Digolean highlighted the sector’s strong tradition and recent technological advancements, including pergola systems and competitive grape varieties, noting that the new strategy seeks to unlock its full potential. The long-term vision aims to make Moldova’s table grape sector competitive, climate-resilient, and inclusive, enabling growers of all sizes to access premium international markets. Central to this vision are climate adaptation measures such as the development of new irrigation basins with a capacity of 1.5 million cubic metres, the adoption of water-efficient practices, and modern farming technologies including subsurface drip irrigation.
The strategy also focuses on market and quality upgrades, promoting compliance with European and international standards, developing post-harvest infrastructure like shared sorting and packing centres, achieving certifications such as GLOBALG.A.P., and registering geographical indications to distinguish Moldovan grapes in high-value export markets. Inclusive growth is prioritized by supporting smallholders through cooperatives, shared access to machinery, and creating stable, skilled employment opportunities, with the initiative expected to generate over 1,500 new direct and indirect jobs. Strengthening knowledge and financial systems, including the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), Farmer Field Schools, and blended finance mechanisms, will further support smallholder investments and technology transfer.
Tudor Robu, Assistant FAO Representative in Moldova, emphasized that the strategy’s success stems from the collaborative, systems-based ASTA and OCOP approach, ensuring country-led, transparent, and sustainable implementation. Dona Scola of UNIDO highlighted the strategy’s ability to integrate economic competitiveness, industrial development, social inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability, providing an investment-ready blueprint for the sector’s long-term transformation. The National Investment Plan outlines seven improved business models, including shared post-harvest facilities, expanded organic farming, and greenhouse cultivation, setting the stage for implementation beginning in 2026.
