Press Release: Agribusiness Development Project Organizes September Meeting to Boost Moldovan Table Grape Industry

Moldova is losing an important opportunity to transform its table grape friendly climate into export revenues. Over the last decade, the Moldovan table grape industry has diminished in terms of production and area although international demand for table grapes is growing. Currently, about 20,000 ha are used for production, compared to 28,000 ha in 1995. Production levels of table grapes in 2006 were roughly half of levels in the years of 2001- 2004. Challenges facing the table grape industry include lack of bearing vineyards under new table grape varieties; lack of organized infrastructure for collecting and storing fresh grapes; lack of marketing knowledge and lack of financial mechanisms to stimulate industry growth.

In an effort to respond to the sector’s difficulties, the Agribusiness Development Project (ADP) financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by CNFA Inc. is organizing the Moldovan Table Grape Cluster Meeting on September 13, at 9:00 in the B2 Conference Room of Palatul Republicii (21 Nicolae Iorga str., Chisinau). The cluster meeting is organized in collaboration with Moldova-Vin Agency, the National Institute for Vine and Wine and the Viticulture Department of the State Agricultural University.

The event will bring together table grape producers, seedling and equipment providers, financial institutions as well as researchers, consultants, journalists and NGO and government representatives. Researchers and ADP consultants will make presentations on global trends in table grapes production, the current table grape economic situation in Moldova, new recommended table grape varieties and financial mechanisms available to table grape producers.

Journalists are invited to attend the event.

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Media Advisory

With funding from the United States Government, USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all. ADP is part of USAID’s efforts to support private enterprise growth, create jobs and generate income in Moldova.

ADP is a 5-year program implemented by the US Company CNFA Inc. Launched in June 2004, ADP provides business consulting services and technical assistance to farmers, local growers and processors to improve the export competitiveness of Moldova’s high-value agricultural sector and increase rural incomes and employment opportunities.