---
title: "Moldovan growers eye export surge amid stronger 2026 fruit yields"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/85733/moldovan-growers-eye-export-surge-amid-stronger-2026-fruit-yields
published: 2026-09-24T05:00:00Z
language: en
author: "Daniela Gherman"
section: "Economic"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldovan growers eye export surge amid stronger 2026 fruit yields

> Moldovan fruit and grape growers project stronger 2026 yields and higher export revenues, relying on expanded shipments to European markets to offset rising production costs and finance modernization across orchards and vineyards.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/2fb64e3b-3172-4072-a2c2-158915082473.jpg)

Moldovan fruit and grape growers project stronger 2026 yields and higher export revenues, relying on expanded shipments to European markets to offset rising production costs and finance modernization across orchards and vineyards.

**Walnut harvest advances across orchards**

Domestic walnut growers anticipate solid production this autumn, though results vary across regions depending on agricultural maintenance and irrigation. Harvesting has already begun on early domestic varieties.

*“We have orchards in excellent condition where treatments and irrigation were completed on schedule,”* said Oleg Târsână, President of Moldova’s Walnut Growers Association, on the “Zi de Zi” programme on Radio Moldova. *“In plantations with lower maintenance, the outlook is less encouraging, but overall we expect a fairly good harvest.”*

**Apple exports projected to jump 30%**

Moldova’s total apple crop is forecast to reach approximately 526,000 tonnes, an 18% increase compared to 2025. Export volumes are expected to expand by at least 30% year-on-year.

*“We estimate total exports at 145,000 tonnes, with another 36,000 tonnes designated for the domestic market and roughly 325,000 tonnes destined for apple juice concentrate processing,”* said Iurie Fală, Executive Director of the Moldova Fruct Association. *“Weather conditions proved far more favourable than in 2025, when orchards suffered from severe frosts and drought.”*

Fală noted that rising input expenses require apple prices to increase by 35% to 40% to sustain ongoing capital investments.

*“Apple growing remains profitable for now, but we must consistently upgrade production technologies, invest in high-density orchards, and meet strict quality criteria regarding pesticide residues, fruit size, and coloration,”* Fală said.

**Grape quality improves despite weather risks**

Grape picking is also underway, with producers noting superior grape sizing and density despite moderate overall volumes. Wine grape output is forecast to increase by 10% to 15%, while table grapes remain at medium to good levels.

*“Quality is noticeably better than last year in terms of berry size and cluster density,”* said Ion Ionaș, a grower based in the central Ialoveni district. *“A farmgate price of at least 14 MDL (approx. €0.73) per kilogram would keep operations viable and allow us to plan ahead.”*

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

[Audio: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/385b3243-7af5-4c8c-8526-c6e3fe3f83de.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/9/23/GH.m4a/playlist.m3u8)

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