Farmers in Fălești stage a protest on Monday
Farmers in Fălești are taking their tractors out to protest on Monday, September 28, just days after a similar action by farmers in Basarabeasca. They are calling on the authorities to maintain the 8% VAT rate on cereals and oilseeds, extend import licensing requirements, and reimburse the excise duty on diesel fuel purchased this year. The "Farmers' Force" Association made the announcement in a statement.
The protest in Fălești will begin at 9:00 AM at the town exit leading to the Fălești-Sculeni road. According to the "Farmers' Force" Association, the event will involve farmers from various industry associations holding diverse political views.
The farmers are calling for the retention of the 8% VAT rate on grains and oilseeds, the extension of the import licensing system for grains and sunflower seeds until at least December 31, 2026, and the reimbursement of excise duties on diesel fuel purchased between June 1 and December 1, 2026.
Farmers argue that rising input costs, a lack of support measures, and a potential VAT hike could significantly reduce the acreage dedicated to grain crops.
On September 25, farmers in the Basarabeasca district also staged a protest using tractors and agricultural machinery, presenting the same demands to the authorities. Ten pieces of agricultural equipment were parked along the Cimișlia–Basarabeasca road, near the village of Abaclia. This was a warning protest, with farmers calling for the retention of the 8% VAT rate on cereals and oilseeds, the extension of import licensing, and the reimbursement of excise duties on diesel fuel purchased this year.
After the protest, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Eugeniu Osmochescu, said he respects farmers' right to peaceful protest. Regarding the VAT on cereals and oilseeds, the minister said that authorities are still considering two options: maintaining the 8% rate or raising it to 12%. A decision is expected no later than next week.
As for the licensing of cereal and sunflower imports, Osmochescu clarified that the measure remains in effect until October 31, 2026, and cannot be extended.
