Agriculture in Moldova

[2] Moldova's agricultural sector benefits from a geographical proximity to large markets, namely the European Union.

[5] 70% of agri-food exports in 2012 included beverages, edible fruits and nuts, oilseeds, vegetable preparations and cereals.

[6] To consider Moldovan agricultural output, it is characterised by natural potential, human resources and technological efficiency.

[7] For natural potential, Moldova's temperate climate favours agricultural production, with dry and mild winters, and warm summers with initial intense rainfall.

[15] The soil composition varies across total agricultural land, depending on the agro-ecological zone of Moldova.

[6] In terms of human resources for the agricultural sector, the rural population acts as a primary source for employment.

[17] Agriculture here fills a socio-economic role, as an employer as last resort, and as a method of development for rural areas.

[4] Agricultural output is affected by modern technologies, including machinery, fertilisers and irrigation.

[6] Agriculture in Moldova involves horticulture, viticulture and cereal production as primary methods of farming.

[6] The Moldovan horticulture industry, which is almost entirely made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, is supported by the Fruit Garden of Moldova scheme.

The initiative is part of the European Union's assistance to Moldova, and it seeks to promote trade and economic growth, as well as agriculture and rural production.

[6] There is a focus in this sector towards bulk raw materials for export, to both the Commonwealth of Independent States and EU.

[15] Cereals in particular account for a high share of arable land, of 70% of total sown areas.

[6] Moldova's primary crops as a result of the importance of the cereal sector include wheat, barley, corn and rapeseed.

[6] Specifically, wheat, corn and barley occupy more than half of sown land area in Moldova.

[6] Agricultural enterprises are more specialised in grain crop production, as well as sunflower, grapes and sugar beet.

[1] This differs from individual farms, where the focus is centralised towards grapes, potatoes, vegetables and fruits, maize and fodder.

[9] Beside the decline of total agricultural production, livestock counts have also descended, where in the period 2001–2010, 16% of pigs and 40% of cattle in holding fell.

[15] Lower output levels in the sector position Moldova as a net importer of the bulk of livestock products.

[6] Another effect limiting the livestock sector is climate change, with production influenced by higher temperatures and more frequent fluctuations in precipitation.

[1] Organic agriculture has increased in growth from EU market demand, policies in support of the sector and a higher price premium for producers.

[6] The direct and indirect interdependence between agriculture and the rural population exposes climate change as a problem for the economy, due to socio-economic vulnerability.

[2] Climate volatility has historically contributed to decreased yields and elevated risks for Moldova's agriculture sector.

[6] Natural hazards in 2007 affected Moldova's GDP between 3.5-7%, with the majority of losses in the agricultural sector and rural areas.

[13] Cumulative climate data supports the trend of increasing temperature and has been observed by farmers in greater extremity of heat events.

[22] More variability in precipitation as a result of climate change has increased the risk of floods in addition to drought.