Moldovians Seek End to Export Tariffs

KIEV - Mar 22/05 - APK -- Moldavian agricultural producers and exporters demanded from the government an abolishment of export tariff-wall for commodities.

This topic was discussed on March 21 during the press-conference in Agency Infotag held by Republic Union of Agricultural Associations UniAgroProject, Association of Grain Exporters and Importers Agrocer and National Farmers Federation of Moldova.

Mikhail Kotorobay, experts of UniAgroProject, pointed out that government resolution about wheat and flour to be exported strictly via Universal Commodity Exchange caused grate financial losses and the fact many grain producers became bankrupts.

Kotorobay said the situation was catastrophic especially for small producers. Last year Moldova harvested 800,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat and only 2,000 MT was exported. Now farmers need funds to start spring field works, but there is no chance to sell 2004 crop wheat

The head of Agrocer Association Vera Monul also emphasized that tough restrictions are applied to export of sunflower, maize and peas. Thus many farmers prefer to quit agricultural activity for no profit.

Copyright (c) 2005 APK-Inform -- http:--www.agrimarket.info