Case Study

Boosting Growth for Moldovan Agribusinesses

Driving Growth and Resilience for Moldovan Agriculture
Agribusiness Strategy and Growth Advisory

The Challenge

Moldova's agriculture sector – highly dependent on Russia and other traditional, low-value export markets – was vulnerable to trade embargoes and market disruptions. Many Moldovan agribusinesses implemented outdated production, post-harvest, and marketing practices that limited competitiveness and access to higher-value EU and international markets. The sector faced additional shocks from COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and severe droughts.

Our Solution

Modernized Agribusinesses to Unlock Global Markets

Chemonics worked directly with client and partner agribusinesses and producer groups to upgrade and innovate production to access new markets. This included:

  • Supporting market diversification and export promotion, enabling “firsts” such as exports of packed honey to Malaysia and fruit from Gagauzia to the EU.
  • Providing advisory services to clients integrating modern technologies (e.g., vertical hives, pergola grape systems), international certifications (GLOBALG.A.P., organic), and climate-smart practices.
  • Strengthening producer groups, associations, and vocational schools, updating curricula and promoting youth and women’s participation in agriculture.

The Impact:

Sales Surged, Markets Expanded, Tech Widely Adopted

The impact of our support was significant, by the numbers:

  • Chemonics facilitated $201.5 million in domestic and export sales for 458 companies and mobilized $44.9 million in new private investment.
  • Moldovan products reached new markets. For example, in just five years, EU-bound plum exports rose from 20% to 58% of total volume.
  • 3,649 companies adopted new technologies and 100 companies achieved international certifications
  • 24 laws/regulations were adopted to improve the business enabling environment.
  • 2,970 women and 3,360 youth received targeted training, opening the door to new business opportunities.