Fruits' Day becomes international event: 2025 edition brings innovations, solutions for more resilient horticultural sector of Moldova

The seventh edition of the specialized exhibition in horticultural technology and innovations, Fruit Day, has gained international recognition this year. Over 70 professionals from Romania, Ukraine and Moldova participated in the event, alongside experts, authorities and representatives from the agricultural sector.

The event brought together more than 40 exhibiting companies of Moldova and abroad, showcasing modern technologies for irrigation, sorting, packaging, storage, digitalization and logistics – solutions meant to support farmers in adapting to climate change and foreign market demands.

“This year's edition is about the sector's ability to adapt and move forward despite ever-increasing challenges – climatic, economic and geopolitical. We cannot talk about the future without investments, modern technologies and real collaboration across the entire value chain. Moldovan fruits have reached European Union and other regional consumers in recent years – a result that honors us, but also comes with the responsibility to maintain quality, competitiveness and gained trust,” said Vitalie Gorincioi, president of the Moldova Fruit Association.

At the same time, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry highlighted the strategic role of horticulture in the national economy.

“The Moldova Fruit Association is an example of organization, dedication and ambition in the agricultural sector. In all our discussions with international partners, horticulture is present as a priority field, due to exports’ volumes, contributions to the state budget and its essential role in rural development,” said Ludmila Catlabuga.

The official emphasized that the authorities were in the process of assessing the damage caused by climatic events this spring and targeted support measures are upcoming.

“The unfriendly climatic events affected more plantations, but we are in the process of analysis and the government will intervene with the clearest and best-directed measures, in order to meet the needs of those affected.”

The host of the current edition referred to the investments in the production and post-harvest infrastructure, highlighting the commitment to quality and sustainability.

“We strongly believe in the potential of the Moldovan horticulture. We aim not only to maintain the achieved standards, but also to move them further with even greater responsibility towards quality, the environment and our partners,” specified Ștefan Bîtlan.

During the event, about 450 visitors – farmers and specialists from all regions of the country – explored solutions for adapting to the new market realities.

An exhibitor announced the introduction of protected varieties, delivered in accordance with international phytosanitary standards.

“We are talking about plum, but also other species, like cherry, flat peach, or apricot. These are licensed varieties, which bring added value and safety to Moldovan producers. Starting from this year, we also give possibility to grow cherries in digitalized greenhouses.”

A producer from the central region of the country, affected by hail and frost, said:

“I came to the exhibition to exchange experiences with other producers. I am also interested in hail protection options. We are analyzing what investments would be worthwhile to secure our orchards for the future.”

The event was organized with the support of the European Union and development partners, and was regarded as an important platform for dialogue, learning and cooperation in support of the sustainable development of the horticultural sector from Moldova.