Farmers struggle while government prioritizes digitalization
Moldova’s spring sowing campaign is coming under growing pressure, yet authorities appear focused on different priorities, namely the digitalization of agriculture.
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a tender for the creation of the AKIS information system — the “Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System.” The project is valued at 1.45 million lei excluding VAT.
According to the ministry, the platform is intended to unite agricultural science, consultancy services, and farmer training within a single online space.
The stated goal may sound reasonable. But critics argue the government’s priorities are badly out of step with realities on the ground.
Farmers entering the 2026 spring season are still waiting for compensation promised after the sharp rise in fuel prices.
Fuel compensation delays deepen crisis
Alexandr Slusari, former MP and long-time agriculture analyst, said authorities have repeatedly changed the rules governing support for farmers affected by the fuel crisis.
“They changed the law for the third time in two months. The amendment has been adopted but not yet published, then the Finance Ministry regulation must be changed, then the minister’s order issued, and only after that can applications be submitted,” Slusari said. “Farmers have effectively received no support after the fuel price hikes. The decapitalization of the sector is enormous. Maia Sandu acknowledged these problems, but offered no solutions.”
As a result, the sowing campaign, which should currently be at its peak, is progressing slowly. At the same time, farmers continue facing rising production costs and mounting uncertainty over exports and imports.
Russia remains key export market for Moldovan apples
Despite repeated political declarations about Moldova’s “European path,” Russia remains the main buyer of Moldovan apples.
According to customs statistics, Moldova exported 10,200 tonnes of apples in April, of which 5,900 tonnes went eastward to the Russian market. Romania imported 3,600 tonnes, while the remainder was shipped in small batches to several other countries.
One truckload reportedly even reached Iceland, though this was viewed more as an exception than evidence of a broader trend.
Critics argue the European market remains difficult for Moldovan agricultural exports, while the government lacks both a clear export strategy and sufficient financial support for producers.
At the same time, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that egg prices have risen by 46.5% since the beginning of the year, while meat prices are up nearly 30%.
Experts link the increases to higher production and processing costs. Moldovan farmers are also facing competition from cheaper Ukrainian goods.
Agricultural producers had urged Agriculture Minister Ludmila Catlabuga to introduce import duties to protect local producers, but those calls went unanswered.
Meanwhile, authorities in Transnistria are reportedly blocking the delivery of fertilizers and veterinary medicines, further threatening the sowing season and raising concerns about animal health risks.
Debt grows as agriculture support stalls
PSRM deputy Petru Burduja said the country is entering an economic downturn in an increasingly fragile financial position.
According to Finance Ministry data cited by Burduja, Moldova’s state debt reached 142.62 billion lei as of March 31, 2026.
During the first quarter alone, the debt increased by 9.84 billion lei. For comparison, total debt growth throughout all of 2025 amounted to 11.38 billion lei.
At the same time, more than 1 billion lei from the state budget was spent servicing public debt during the first three months of the year, while the 130 million lei promised to farmers has still not been paid.
“The Republic of Moldova is entering a deep economic crisis completely unprepared and burdened by debt,” Burduja said.
Moldova farmers warn of worsening outlook
The government’s broader approach to agriculture is increasingly drawing criticism from producers and opposition politicians alike.
Plans reportedly being discussed to introduce a 20% VAT on all food products and agricultural goods have intensified concerns within the sector.
Critics say authorities increasingly treat domestic agriculture as secondary amid Moldova’s push toward European integration, despite the sector’s continued importance for employment and food security.
While officials invest nearly 1.5 million lei in a digital agriculture platform, many farmers say they are trying to save the sowing season without adequate financing, fertilizers, or consistent state support.
Against a backdrop of rising prices and growing public frustration, many in the agricultural sector say they are preparing for a difficult year ahead.
