In an earlier interview, I mentioned that the state should rethink its approach to agriculture, and I made this observation based on an analysis of the real situation in our country. The most recent statistical data confirm this. Thus, in 2025, Moldovan exports of food products (most of which are agricultural products or derived from them) fell to approximately 596 million dollars, while imports rose to nearly 800 million dollars. The deficit exceeded 200 million dollars. From an agrarian country, the Republic of Moldova has become a state that imports agricultural products, and the general impression that agriculture has been on an upward trend for the second year in a row does not reflect the situation in all its complexity.

For example, the 8.5% growth in agriculture in January–March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 is a direct consequence of an 8.8% increase in livestock production, which accounted for 98.3% of total agricultural output. In other agricultural sectors, the situation remains quite complicated, and this is reflected in the number of employees as well. In 2025 alone, the number of people involved in agricultural activities decreased by more than 46,000. Year after year, the share of people employed in agriculture relative to the total employed population continues to decline. Thus, if in 2023 agriculture accounted for 20.9% of employed persons, in 2024 it was 18.1%, and in 2025 – only 14%. Little by little, agriculture is dying, and if consistent action is not taken to rethink the state’s attitude toward this important branch of the national economy, the decline will continue.

Today, agricultural producers are left practically on their own and often act more intuitively than strategically. And here the state should step in to help. For example, extensive research is needed—research that can only be initiated and implemented by the competent state authorities—to determine which crops should be cultivated in Moldova given climate change, which crops have already become vulnerable and pose more risks than opportunities for farmers, which agricultural crops should be promoted and supported by the state as a priority, etc. Without such studies, Moldovan agriculture is blind, and under these conditions we cannot speak of serious development that could serve as a strong foundation for the entire national economy.

It would also be beneficial for the state to revise its attitude toward agriculture, including in terms of subsidizing promising crops and ending the discrimination of local producers based on criteria that have nothing to do with reality. I will again recall the vision I previously expressed on this matter. First, the volume of subsidies allocated to agriculture must be increased. This year, the agricultural subsidy fund is 220 million lei, of which 180 million lei are debts from 2025. What will remain for 2026? Second, we are dealing with clear discrimination against producers when it comes to subsidies. Often, agricultural sectors with no prospects are subsidized, while promising sectors—which have already demonstrated in the past that, when properly supported, they can generate added value—receive no support at all. Here I also refer to tobacco production. Previously, the tobacco sector accounted for around 23% of GDP, providing jobs for every fourth employee in Moldova. Now it is completely outside the state’s concerns, with subsidies for it being prohibited. Romania supports tobacco production, the United States supports it, and many countries with suitable climatic conditions support this crop. In Moldova, it is not supported. There are other promising agricultural sectors as well (viticulture, fruit growing, livestock farming), which is why I have said that the approach to agriculture must be rethought—and then everything will be fine.

What we must understand is that the situation can no longer remain as it is. The time has come to draw the necessary conclusions and take concrete action. Today, something can still be done—tomorrow it may be too late.

Oleg Țurcan, businessman, investor, philanthropist