Migrants grown in Moldova conquer European markets. Over 450 tons was exported in 2017 to EU
foto: publika.md
The almonds grown in Moldova conquer the European markets. In 2017, nearly 450 tons were exported to EU countries. This year, farmers expect a better harvest.
The largest almond tree orchard, spread over 77 hectares, is located in the village of Tomai, Ceadâr-Lunga district. Here the picking of the fruit is in all.
The owners of the plantation, the Topciu spouses, even could not imagine, 10 years ago, that the almond orchard would be their main source of income.
"This year the fruit is bigger. The livestock is nine years old, and the productivity is better", said Petru Topciu, the owner of the orchard.
The idea of raising almonds came to Petru Topciu when he was studying in Turkey. Nearly a year he prepared the land and planted the trees, and the first fruits he picked after another seven years.
In 2017, the harvest consisted of 450 tonnes. This year he expects a bigger fruit.
"We sell domestic production, but we also export fruit to EU countries, Italy is one of them, we are negotiating with other states, we have exported to Azerbaijan," said Petru Topciu, owner of the orchard.
The farmer has four varieties of almonds and the fruits are grown ecologically.
"Since we planted this orchard, we have not used any herbicide, we want to obtain the SGS certificate, which confirms the ecological purity of the product, and thanks to this certificate we will succeed in affirming our international markets", said Mariana Topciu, wife farmer.
The fruits grown by the Topciu family sell well in the country's stores. Much of the revenue earned is invested in purchasing new equipment.
Entrepreneurs intend to produce oil and almond meal.
There are 22 farmers growing almonds in Moldova.
"Such countries are not too much, but trade relations with Azerbaijan, Italy are established, and we export to countries like Spain, Iraq or Libya from 2016", said Svetla Lungu, head of the ANSA Directorate.
One kilogram of almonds costs between 200 and 300 lei.
The largest almond tree orchard, spread over 77 hectares, is located in the village of Tomai, Ceadâr-Lunga district. Here the picking of the fruit is in all.
The owners of the plantation, the Topciu spouses, even could not imagine, 10 years ago, that the almond orchard would be their main source of income.
"This year the fruit is bigger. The livestock is nine years old, and the productivity is better", said Petru Topciu, the owner of the orchard.
The idea of raising almonds came to Petru Topciu when he was studying in Turkey. Nearly a year he prepared the land and planted the trees, and the first fruits he picked after another seven years.
In 2017, the harvest consisted of 450 tonnes. This year he expects a bigger fruit.
"We sell domestic production, but we also export fruit to EU countries, Italy is one of them, we are negotiating with other states, we have exported to Azerbaijan," said Petru Topciu, owner of the orchard.
The farmer has four varieties of almonds and the fruits are grown ecologically.
"Since we planted this orchard, we have not used any herbicide, we want to obtain the SGS certificate, which confirms the ecological purity of the product, and thanks to this certificate we will succeed in affirming our international markets", said Mariana Topciu, wife farmer.
The fruits grown by the Topciu family sell well in the country's stores. Much of the revenue earned is invested in purchasing new equipment.
Entrepreneurs intend to produce oil and almond meal.
There are 22 farmers growing almonds in Moldova.
"Such countries are not too much, but trade relations with Azerbaijan, Italy are established, and we export to countries like Spain, Iraq or Libya from 2016", said Svetla Lungu, head of the ANSA Directorate.
One kilogram of almonds costs between 200 and 300 lei.