Moldova’s berry production is forecasted to decline notably in 2025, as reported by berry business expert Dmitry Dodica. This decrease is likely to result in increased prices for consumers. The main cause of this decline stems from severe April frosts that damaged 20–40% of the generative organs across approximately half of the country’s raspberry fields. Key raspberry varieties impacted include Glen Ample, Przehyba, Novost Kuzmina, and Bulgarian Rubin.
Similar damage was observed in blackberry crops. While black and red currants, as well as American blueberries, faced milder losses of about 20–30%, Canadian blueberries suffered significantly, with losses reaching as high as 70%. Strawberry fields also reported serious impacts, particularly among extra-early varieties like Clery and Guisy, and early varieties such as Alba, with losses projected at around 40%. The northern and southern regions were particularly hard hit by these losses.
It’s important to note that these estimates pertain to open-field berry cultivation. Growers utilizing protected methods, such as greenhouses or agrotextile covers, experienced considerably lower losses, typically between 10–15%.
Dodica has highlighted the importance of transitioning to protected cultivation as a strategic response to reduce the agricultural risks posed by the effects of climate change. This shift not only aims to safeguard production but also ensures the sustainability of Moldova’s berry industry in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
Overall, while the upcoming season presents challenges, there is potential for innovation through improved agricultural techniques that could stabilize the berry market in Moldova moving forward.