"The Netherlands has the expertise, technologies, and networks needed to support Moldova in improving the productivity and quality of its horticultural sector," Jos Leeters of HollandDoor tells us. An opportunity seminar on the horticulture sector in Moldova will take place on Thursday, March 27, at the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk. The meeting is aimed at companies and institutions active in international horticulture, including research, education, and consultancy.
Jos explains that Moldova has a rich horticultural tradition. "It is a small player in global horticulture, but in recent years it has developed into a strong player in the European fruit sector. Today, for instance, Moldova is the largest exporter of fresh plums in the European market."
In light of the path toward membership in the European Union, more opportunities are arising for and in Moldova to do business or cooperate. "However, the development of the sector is limited by several factors, including limited scale, insufficient knowledge, and application of modern cultivation and post-harvest techniques, partly also due to climate change, as well as weak marketing power and insufficient visibility in European markets. The Netherlands has the expertise, technologies, and networks needed to support Moldova in improving the productivity and quality of its horticultural sector."
A recent study commissioned by the Dutch embassy in Chisinau and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) points to opportunities in Moldovan horticulture for Dutch companies. Moldova's possible accession to the European Union offers prospects for cooperation and expanded market access. "The main sectors where opportunities exist are the fruit and vegetable chain, including supply, outdoor and greenhouse cultivation, and the post-harvest phase. There are also opportunities in climate-adaptive agriculture, water management, and knowledge services such as training and consultancy," Jos says. The study will be provided to seminar participants. Market developments, cooperation opportunities, and contacts with local players will also be discussed during the seminar.
The opportunity seminar is of interest to companies and institutions active in horticulture (including research, education and consultancy), regardless of whether you already have experience in Moldova or in the wider region (think Romania, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia). You will receive information on developments and opportunities in all sub-sectors of Moldovan horticulture and learn which players are active in the sector and how to connect with them.
Register for the seminar by sending an e-mail to Jos Leeters at jos@hollanddoor.nl The deadline for registration is 20 March 2025. The language of the seminar is English and participation is free of charge.