Agriculture & Agri-food
The wealth of fertile soil
Agriculture is a pillar of the economy, favoured by fertile chernozem soils. Moldova produces and exports fruit (apples, plums, grapes), walnuts, vegetables, cereals and sunflower. The agri-food sector is a major employer, especially in rural areas.
Agriculture is one of the most important branches of the economy of the Republic of Moldova and a defining part of the country's identity. Almost three quarters of the territory is covered by chernozem, one of the most fertile soils in the world, which made Moldova a benchmark agricultural region as far back as the Soviet period.
What is grown
The main crops are cereals (wheat, maize, barley) and sunflower, alongside highly developed fruit growing and viticulture. Moldova is an important exporter of apples, plums, table grapes, walnuts, cherries and apricots. Vegetable growing and animal husbandry complete a diversified agri-food sector, present in almost every rural household.
Challenges and directions
Although agriculture's share of GDP has fallen as the economy has diversified, it remains an essential employer, especially in rural areas. Since the signing of the Association Agreement and the free trade area with the European Union, more and more Moldovan agri-food products reach European markets. Modernising farms, irrigation and adapting to drought are the sector's main directions of development.
Key areas
Worth knowing
- Fertile chernozem soils
- A major employer in rural areas
- Exports of fruit and walnuts
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