Economic

Moldovan walnuts crack under pressure: Exports plunge 32%

Moldova's lucrative walnut export sector faces a bitter reality in 2023, with projected shipments plummeting by 32% compared to the buoyant period between 2017 and 2018.

This concerning trend dominated discussions at the 9th National Annual Forum of Walnut Growers in Moldova, held today in Chisinau.

Oleg Tîrsînă, President of the Moldovan Walnut Growers Association, diagnosed the decline with a measured tone: "The confluence of post-pandemic disruptions, inflationary headwinds, and the energy crisis has significantly dampened European demand for walnuts, and indeed, for many non-essential food items." He elaborated, "Though rich in nutritional value, walnuts lack the staple status enjoyed by other commodities. When consumers tighten their belts, walnuts are often deemed expendable."

Prior to these turbulent times, Moldova's walnut exports thrived. From 2017 to 2018, the country averaged a robust 35,000 tons of walnut shipments annually. This year, that figure paints a grim picture, with projections hovering around 24,000 tons.

The economic impact of this decline is undeniable. Walnuts are a critical export engine for Moldova, having generated $100 million in revenue for the country in 2022 alone.

Recognizing the need for swift action, both the Moldovan government and industry stakeholders are actively plotting a course correction. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Vladimir Bolea, unveiled plans for a new Horticulture Law, specifically designed to bolster the struggling walnut sector. Additionally, the government has ramped up its financial support, offering generous subsidies for establishing new walnut orchards (up to 15,000 lei per hectare) and even higher incentives for grafted walnut and rootstock plantations (reaching 100,000 lei per hectare). Furthermore, financial aid is readily available for procuring essential equipment related to walnut harvesting, primary processing, and storage.

Despite the current challenges, a spirit of resilience echoes within the industry. The Moldovan Walnut Growers Association is actively exploring new markets beyond Europe, diversifying their export portfolio and mitigating their dependence on a single region. Minister Bolea underscored the need for strategic foresight: "The global market is in constant flux, and for a sector like ours, heavily reliant on long-term investments such as walnut orchards, adaptability is key. Every investment made today must be informed by a thorough understanding of the market's long-range prospects. Planting a walnut tree is a 15-20 year commitment, and we must ensure its profitability not just for the present, but well into the future."

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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