Moldovan winemakers ask government for effective strategy to support domain

Chisinau, 12 August /MOLDPRES/ – The winemaking producers have asked for clear game rules, with effective strategies and sector development plans. The proposals have been announced during the meeting of the Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (MADRM), Georgeta Mincu, with winemakers and grape producers of Moldova, on Monday, 12 August.

"Moldova has already asserted itself as a quality wine producer, so as to maintain this reputation, there is a need for more visible involvement of state. This requires well thought out business regulations, improving functioning of the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV), establishing a close partnership with relevant ministry and external partners,” said one meeting participant.

The producers have asked MADRM to be a protector of domain and intervene in some important issues for wine producers such as taxation, certification, and excessive bureaucracy. The farmers have mentioned that they are often left alone to face some problems, for the solution they would need the state support – subsidising small and medium – sized producers, support for liquidation of grape stocks, etc.

Also, the winemakers have referred to expansion of Moldovan wine market, including in China, but some producers have asked the ministry leadership to take the necessary measures to return to Russian market massively.

Georgeta Mincu has taken note of all complaints expressed and she has explained that the ministry is waiting for constructive and resultative proposals, which will later be included in a national profile strategy. "It is true that it is the area that brings considerable profit to economy of Moldova and the state is interested in supporting it. It is also true that we cannot consume as much as we produce, and that is why the producers already have to think about new business ideas. Let us not grow unprofitable varieties, not produce goods that have no demand on the market. You have to elaborate business plans, export proposals, start new production lines, new and attractive, launch convincing ideas that deserve subsidy," said official.

The Minister of MADRM has said that on 22 – 25 August she will travel to China and request that some wine producers be included in delegation. "Only then, we must have a well – developed offer, with very well – described research, with conclusive analysis that will interest respective market segment," said Georgeta Mincu.

In other order of ideas, the minister said that in upcoming period she would organise a joint meeting of producers with processors to find optimal solutions for large stocks of grapes, especially before the new harvesting campaign.

Moldova has 112,000 ha of vines, planted with over 50 types of technical varieties. The wine area is divided into 03 historical wine regions: Valul lui Traian (south – west), Stefan Voda (south – east) and Codru (centre), destined to produce wines with a protected geographical indication.