After a tough year, Moldova remains a key rapeseed exporter, experts
Following a challenging year for rapeseed exports, the Republic of Moldova starts this agricultural season with promising prospects. In a region marked by abundant harvests and price pressure, experts believe that Moldova remains a significant player in the global market for this crop. The rapeseed harvest is currently in full swing, and farmers are optimistic about achieving a record yield.
Gheorghe Pistrilciuc from the Soldanesti district has been cultivating rapeseed for about ten years. He describes it as a profitable crop given the current climatic conditions. However, he also acknowledges that there are risks and challenges associated with it.
On the market side, many buyers are interested in rapeseed. Naturally, farmers hope for high prices, but Ukraine and Russia have a significant influence on the market in the Black Sea region. Pistrilciuc mentions that they have contracts in place, and he understands that rapeseed is often sold in Romania. He notes that while they desire the best prices, their fields yield different results. For example, they harvested over two tons from one field and just over a ton from another. Factors such as temperature fluctuations and frost impact their yields; lower areas may suffer more damage, while higher areas may be less affected, presenting risks at every turn.
Agricultural expert Iurie Rija estimates that approximately 100,000 hectares of rapeseed are cultivated in the Republic of Moldova. During the show “Zi de Zi” on Radio Moldova, he pointed out that the cultivated areas in the north and center of the country are decreasing compared to the last two to three seasons, while those in the southern regions are increasing.
Rija expressed optimism for a good harvest, based on evaluations of the fields and the number of plants present. However, he noted that the price of rapeseed is lower this year. In previous years, the average price was around 9.30–10 lei; this year, it has dropped to an average of 8.30–8.50 lei. The Republic of Moldova is a significant player in the rapeseed market, particularly given the area it cultivates, which has increased from an average of 60,000 hectares in previous years to approximately 100,000 hectares this year.
According to Iurie Rija, in the 2024–2025 season, the Republic of Moldova is expected to rank fourth among the countries exporting rapeseed to the European Union, with a total volume of 103,000 tons. This marks a one-position drop in the rankings, as the country previously held third place, accounting for 4.4% of total European imports.
