ADP repeats the Forum of Table Grapes Sector in Comrat, at local authorities' request

September 21, 2007

Agribusiness Development Project Repeats the Forum of Table Grape Sector in Comrat

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 repeating the Forum of Table Grape Sector on September 21, at 10:30 in the Comrat Lyceum (194 Lenin str., Comrat). The Forum of Table Grape Sector is organized in collaboration with Moldova-Vin Agro-industrial Agency, the National Institute for Vine and Wine and the Viticulture Department of the State Agricultural University of Moldova.

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.

All mass-media representatives are invited to attend the event.