Moldovan authorities not notified about blockade by of apples' batch

The Moldovan authorities have not been notified about the Russian Federation's decision to block a shipment of 20 tons of Moldovan apples at the border. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Ludmila Catlabuga today made statements to this effect. The government’s spokesperson, Daniel Voda, reacted to this case, noting that Moldovan production was too often used as a tool for political blackmail. He assured that competent institutions would seek markets where Moldovan apples are respected.

“We saw the news in the press yesterday about the stoppage of 20 tons of apples. So far, neither the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) nor the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) has received an official notification. According to the Collaboration Agreements between the competent ministries, we should receive an official notification, after which we can provide a clear position on this subject. Unfortunately, it is not here yet. We tried to speak with the farmers as well. They are also unaware of this case,” said Ludmila Catlabuga.

The government’s spokesperson, Daniel Voda, said that “the responsible institutions will seek markets where Moldovan apples are respected, not humiliated.” He noted that, too often, Moldovan production had been used as a tool for political blackmail.

“When it didn't suit them, they crushed the apples with bulldozers,” said Daniel Voda.

The official urged farmers and exporters to report to the authorities in cases where they faced abusive situations, and the responsible institutions will make efforts to identify new markets for native apples.

The official came with apples to the today’s weekly briefing following the government meeting, highlighting that local fruits are “quality products, tasty and worthy, just like the people who grow them.”

The Russian press on October 7 reported that Russia banned the import of a shipment of about 20 tons of Moldovan apples, citing irregularities.

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance on the same day issued a press release announcing the ban on importing 20.5 tons of apples from Moldova to the Russian Federation. The restriction was applied after it would have been found that the information about the producer did not match the data in the phytosanitary certificate.