OREANDA-NEWS. November 28, 2011. Supporting of small and medium wine-making enterprises is the priority line for next 5 years, deputy-minister of agriculture Stefan Citoroaga says. Speaking at the international scientific and practical conference “wine in the third millennium – pressing problems of wine-making”, among other goals, Stefan Citoroaga named the production of qualitative wines with geographic names of their origin, the development of cooperation between private and public sectors, the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and conditions for long-term development basing on the productions of higher-value-added products.

The deputy-minister informed about the inclination to establish the National agency for wine and grapes within the next two years. This agency is to promote exports, set standards of quality, train people working in the sector, control quality and conduct research. Speaking about ecologic wine, which is paid attention in EU, Stefan Citoroaga pointed out that this field is not the key priority for Moldova yet.

He stressed that in 2010 the volume of processed grapes made 125 thou. tones, with exports being USD 180 mln. This is 60,9% and 42,5% respectively less than in 2005 and explained by unfavorable weather conditions, low investment, unstable political situation and Russia’s embargo.

“We are looking for new markets now. For example, Poland in interested in our wine. Besides, the project on conversion of wine-making sector of Moldova European Investment Bank has earmarked 75 mln. euros for will further the sector promotion” Stefan Citoroaga says.