ASTA and OCOP collaboration in the Republic of Moldova
The Republic of Moldova’s table grape industry benefits from several key strengths that contribute to its competitive edge. The country enjoys a favourable climate and fertile soil, ideal for grape cultivation, which results in high-quality table grapes. This natural advantage is complemented by a rich tradition and extensive expertise in viticulture. The cost of labour in the Republic of Moldova is also relatively low, making grape cultivation competitive and viable.
The Republic of Moldova’s geographic proximity to European markets offers opportunities for efficient export logistics, while its diverse range of grape varieties enables producers to meet different consumer preferences and market requirements.
The FAO-funded project “Promoting sustainable, green development of the table grape value chain” (USD 350 000; January 2024–December 2025) has supported the Ministry of Agriculture in coordinating stakeholders, mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships. The project delivers three key outputs: strengthened national coordination and resource mobilization; a value chain analysis and a national investment plan, and Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) to strengthen producers’ market engagement and competitiveness. ASTA’s contribution has focused on value chain analysis and transformation strategy design, including capacity building, and investment and action plans.
Analysis and design
Findings from the value chain analysis
The Republic of Moldova’s table grape sector is an important contributor to the national economy, generating export revenues, supporting jobs and livelihoods, and contributing to public finances. Growing demand and export market diversification offer opportunities for further growth. However, the sector continues to face interconnected economic, social and environmental challenges.
Economically, dependence on imported inputs, high labour costs and market constraints affect competitiveness and profitability. Socially, the benefits of the sector are unevenly distributed. Smallholders capture a limited share of value, while seasonal workers often face low wages and unstable employment conditions. Women and young people, in particular, face unequal workloads and limited economic opportunities. Informal employment, child labour risks and outward migration further exacerbate labour shortages. Despite strong grape-growing traditions, collective action and institutional support remain limited.
Environmental pressures also affect the sector’s long-term sustainability. High energy consumption, fuel-intensive irrigation and pesticide use contribute to environmental impacts, while soil erosion, biodiversity loss, pollution and food losses remain important concerns. Although drip irrigation and pergola systems have improved water-use efficiency, wider adoption of sustainable production practices and improved land management are needed.
Key facts and figures
- ~130,000 tonnes produced annually.
- 95 percent of commercial growers are small-scale or household producers.
- 96 percent of table-grape areas rely on rainfall, making water availability a major constraint
- 33,415 tonnes exported to the EU in 2024, more than double the 2021 volume.
- 24 export markets reached between August and October 2026.
- 17,700 tonnes worth €13.85 million exported between 1 August and 20 October 2026.
Vision and upgrading strategy
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There are significant opportunities to transform the sector. Strengthening producer cooperation, promoting climate-smart technologies, improving resource efficiency and facilitating knowledge-sharing can help increase productivity, improve smallholder incomes and strengthen climate resilience. More inclusive approaches can also expand decent employment opportunities and ensure that the benefits of sector development reach vulnerable groups.
The Republic of Moldova aims to develop a competitive, climate-resilient and inclusive table grape value chain. By 2036, the value chain should connect growers of all sizes to premium international markets and support sustainable rural development.
The upgrading strategy focuses on four priorities:
- strengthening institutions and policies;
- modernizing research, innovation and agricultural advisory services;
- improving access to finance and investment; and
- promoting inclusive, green business models.
Together, these measures will support producer cooperation, technology adoption, climate-smart production, improved quality standards, stronger market access and higher incomes for smallholders
Expected impacts, outcomes, and results
The specific and measurable ten-year targets underlying this vision include the following:
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Latest Publications
ASTA Engagement Guide – Accelerating Agrifood Systems Transformation through the FAO-UNIDO partnership
2026
This guide shows how ASTA works in practice through a five-step process, from value chain selection and analysis to implementation, scaling, impact...
The table grape value chain in the Republic of Moldova: analysis and strategy design 2026–2036
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FAO One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, the joint FAO–UNIDO ASTA Programme, in coordination with the Government of the Republic of Moldova,...
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The table grape value chain in the Republic of Moldova
2026
The Republic of Moldova is a major table grape producer, with exports of around 85,000 tonnes worth USD 79 million in 2023. The sector supports agriculture,...