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In recent years, exports of agricultural and food products from the Republic of Moldova increased in volume and became more diverse in terms of sales markets. There are also many programs and institutions in the country that support fruit and vegetable exporters, providing them with valuable information in this area. Export opportunities for local agricultural producers were discussed during Moldova Business Week 2018, the most important national business event organized in Chisinau since 2014. The panel dedicated to agriculture and food industry approached several topics related to attracting investment, trade internationalization and the opening of international markets for the fruit and vegetable sector.

As a result of a series of implemented government reforms and policies Republic of Moldova signed 43 free trade agreements with EU, CIS and Asian countries. In 2017 the value of Moldovan exports amounted to US $2.5 billion, a 19% increase over the 2016 indicators. In the first nine months of 2018, this indicator has already exceeded $2 billion. Export distribution has also reconfigured: more than two-thirds of goods are exported to the European Union (70%).

Recommendations for the export of fruits and vegetables

Before starting the export procedure, there are a number of key elements that agricultural producers should consider:
- identification of new markets and better understanding of the export markets potential;
- supply chain integration and optimization of the traceability (Traceability refers to the origin of the raw materials and ingredients, the processing history of the product, the distribution and location after delivery);
- upgrading production and post-harvest operations. Modern storage facilities;
- selection of target markets by value chain, f.e where Moldova have the biggest competitive advantage;
- exporters to work together to consolidate adequate volume supply to interested buyers;
- mobilizing support from government and donors;
- implementation of quality standards and certification;
- investment in information technology and human resources;
- development of a marketing strategy for export;
- establishing a strong export promotion platform.

Label and Packaging

In the EU, as well as in other countries there are special requirements regarding the labeling of the product, as well as specific requirements that may be requested by the importer. As a rule, the following product information is required:
- ingredients used in the manufacturing of the product;
- instructions for use;
- country of origin;
- producer;
- barcode.

Requirements may vary depending on the product, supply chain, stores and are usually stipulated in the export-import agreement.

In addition, special attention is paid to packaging. For example, in the EU, there are specific requirements for agricultural products. Compact packaging (containers, special boxes made of cellulose, mesh bags, etc.) is promoted instead of is heavy wooden boxes. Special attention is paid to factors such as recyclability / biodegradability, attractiveness and shelf life.

Eco-friendly products will be easier to export

Moldovan producers engaged in organic farming will have the opportunity to more easily export their products to European Union, as the certificates issued by local authorities for agri-food products will be recognized on the European market. A draft law in this sense was recently approved by the government of Moldova.

The draft law on eco food production and labeling of eco products allows us to harmonize our legislation with the European one. At the same time, international certification bodies accredited in the EU will no longer be re-accredited in the Republic of Moldova.

Statistics show that the EU countries to which the Republic of Moldova exports most of its products are Romania, Poland, France, Italy, Germany, Bulgaria and Austria, and Europeans mostly prefer Moldovan beverages, especially wines, sugar, cereals and flour products, as well as fruits and vegetables.