Wedoany.com Report-Jun 3, Moldovan agricultural expert Iurie Ria has forecasted a significant rise in rapeseed production in the Republic of Moldova. According to current estimates, the sown area for rapeseed is expected to reach a record 120,000 hectares, a considerable increase compared to the five-year average of 40,000–45,000 hectares.

“The expansion of rapeseed areas is due to the increased interest of farmers, supported by growing international demand. The average yield is estimated to be around 3 tons/ha, but price pressure will remain a serious problem for producers,” said Ria.

From July 2024 to April 2025, Moldova exported approximately 106,000 tons of rapeseed. This represents a 15.6% increase compared to the 2022/23 season. However, it is also 61.4% lower than the 275,700 tons exported during the peak season of 2023/24. The decline in exports is attributed to a reduction in sown areas during the autumn of 2023 and a decrease in average yield to 2 tons per hectare.

The total export value for rapeseed in the current season reached 967.4 million Moldovan lei, or roughly 56 million US dollars. Despite the volume exported, this figure is more than twice as low as the revenue generated in the previous season.

Romania and Bulgaria remained Moldova's primary rapeseed export destinations, jointly accounting for nearly 90% of total exports. Additional buyers included the United Kingdom with 7,700 tons, the United Arab Emirates with 3,700 tons, and Switzerland with 2,500 tons.

Ria commented on Moldova’s position within the broader European context: “In the current context of the European market, the rapeseed prospects for Moldova look favorable. While the EU is expected to reduce the area under crops to 5.6–6 million hectares and reduce production by about 1.4 million tons compared to the previous season, and in Ukraine the harvest is estimated at only 4.9 million tons due to reduced area under crops and spring frosts, Moldova is in a relatively advantageous position.”

Although the current season saw a lower harvest, projections suggest a recovery in the next season. The anticipated increase in domestic production, combined with reduced regional supply, may allow Moldova to enhance its competitiveness in international markets.

In a related development, Moldova recently reported its highest sunflower seed exports in four years. At the same time, the sunflower processing industry is facing a noticeable decline, indicating a shift in the structure of the domestic oilseed sector.

The upcoming agricultural season will be important for Moldova’s efforts to strengthen its role in regional rapeseed exports, supported by favorable conditions and a strategic focus on increasing production efficiency.