Moldovan Farmers Demand Involvement in Ukrainian Transit Plans
The agricultural association 'Forța Fermierilor' met with Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan on Friday to discuss the issues affecting farmers. The discussion centered around the regional grain and oilseed markets, the blockade of ports in Ukraine, harvest forecasts in Moldova, and the sharp drop in wheat and rapeseed prices.
The association's executive director, Alexander Slusari, conveyed the concerns of Moldovan farmers who were not consulted on the issue of transit. The 2022/23 season saw poorly organized transit of products from Ukraine block the export of domestic produce, while the absence of import restrictions led to the import of grains and oilseeds at dumping prices.
Slusari insisted that farmers and exporters must be involved in organizing the transit of Ukrainian products. He requested comprehensive information on transit plans for Moldova's infrastructure and the needs of domestic producers and exporters for the next four to five months.
The prime minister promised to organize a meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Moldovan Railways company, and producers and exporters of grains and oilseeds within the coming days. The government will also announce its position on the licensing of imports of Ukrainian grain and oilseeds into Moldova.