AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF COVID-19

Agricultural associations of Moldova submitted an official address to the country leadership in relation with concerns about the potential negative consequences for the republic and the branch, which may occur due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Farmer unions fear that the branch may face serious lack of phytosanitary supplies (pesticides and others), especially those imported, which may be blocked at the EU borders.

"In this connection, it is necessary to establish a contact point in the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, in order that importers of phytosanitary supplies to have the possibility to address for help at crossing the border. Also, permits on import of goods with expiry date of up to a year (but not smaller than 6 months) should be issued to importers, because this will open to them the access to supplies of these goods at producers, but which currently cannot be imported", the association representatives maintain.

Also, they are concerned about the decision of suspending the work of some shops, which led to the situation when farmers cannot buy not only pesticides, but also paint, brushes, working gloves for treating the places of cutting fruit trees' branches in orchards, as well as the cutting instruments, spare parts and tires for vehicles.

Farmers insist that authorities to allow working the companies, which are selling phytosanitary means, materials and other goods, necessary for work of agricultural enterprises. Besides, they maintain that it is necessary to permit organized transportation of people for seasonal work.

The address to authorities was signed by the Fruit Producers and Exporters Association "Moldova Fruct", the Association of Table Grape Growers and Exporters, the Association "Berries of Moldova", the LAPTE Association of Dairy Farmers, the Employers Union of Meat Processing Enterprises, the National Association of Beekeepers of Moldova and the Association of Beekeeping Product Exporters.