Moldova's Fruit Harvest Devastated: Farmers Demand Emergency Aid

Moldovan Fruit Growers Face Catastrophic Losses, Demand Emergency Aid Moldova's fruit industry is facing a crisis after devastating spring frosts and hailstorms ravaged crops across the country. The Moldova Fruct association, representing fruit growers, has called on the government to declare a state of emergency in agriculture. "The losses are catastrophic," stated a representative from Moldova Fruct in an interview. "In some regions, we've lost nearly the entire harvest. We need immediate financial aid to help us recover." The association estimates that farmers have lost between 70% and 100% of their cherry, apricot, and plum crops. The impact extends beyond the farmers themselves; the price of cherries in markets has skyrocketed, reaching as high as 350 lei per kilogram early in the season and 100 lei currently, reflecting the scarcity. The government's response has been slow, leading to growing frustration among growers. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Moldova's agricultural sector to extreme weather events and the urgent need for support mechanisms to protect farmers and the economy.