THE ROLE OF FRUIT GROWING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

The fruit growing occupies an important place in the national economy of the Republic of Moldova: fresh and processed products provide about 8% of the income from exports, outpacing other sectors of the economy. However, its potential is not used efficiently because of to the limited absorption capacity of the internal market, low competitiveness, as well as because of the embargo on imports imposed by Russia, the main export market for Moldovan horticultural products. In this context, the role of the fruit growing sector and its contribution to the development of the agri-food sector and economic prosperity of the Republic of Moldova is very up-to-date. The evaluation of the development level is made through the analysis of official statistical data and those obtained during field studies.