Moldovan government likely to increase compensations for apple producers

Chisinau, 24 October /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister, Economics Minister Andrian Candu met representatives of the Moldova Fruit Association of Fruits Producers and Exporters on 23 October. The participants in the meeting discussed compensations, new markets, European funds and other issues related to the production process, the Economics Ministry’s information and media communication service has reported.

Andrian Candu assured the association members that the government decision providing for the compensation of 1.50 lei per 1 kg of apples remained in force and would discuss its increase with his colleagues from the government. "We need to focus on finding additional resources, and we have ideas where to get these sources, to increase the amount of compensation. So that more people benefit from the 1.50 lei we have promised", said the deputy prime minister.

The producers informed economics minister that they supported the European vector chosen by the current government and that the Russian embargo on Moldovan products took them by surprise. They pointed out that 99 per cent of the apple producers do not have direct contracts with Russia and that they had worked through other companies till now. The members of the association requested to benefit from the force majeure clause on the embargo period.

The deputy prime minister promised to consider the request to identify a way of rescheduling bank loans.

Apple producers also asked to monitor the process of subsidisation in agriculture conducted by the Agency for Interventions and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA). Members of the Moldova-Fruit association proposed that the organisation be reorganised to ensure transparency in its work. Economics Minister Andrian Candu promised the association members that he would convey their message to the government.