Moldova (bbabo.net), - According to representatives of agricultural producers' organizations, almost the entire harvest of extra-early table grapes, garden strawberries and vegetables in Moldova is grown in unheated greenhouses. At the end of last year and the beginning of this year, even in short frosty periods, there is a need for heating greenhouses. did not arise. If the weather forecasts about a drop in the atmospheric temperature at night to -8 degrees in the near future are justified, individual vineyards are likely to briefly switch on heating systems powered by electricity in greenhouses. Taking this into account, it can be assumed that the projected rise in the price of natural gas in January does not directly translate into a significant increase in the costs of most greenhouses, east-fruit.com reports.

The exception is agricultural enterprises that grow seedlings in greenhouses for vegetable growing, berry farming, production of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as planting material for viticulture. Some enterprises of this specialization have already informed local and foreign clients about a significant, by 10% or more, increase in prices for their products due to the rise in energy prices.

According to expert estimates, in Moldova at the moment, the total area of ​​greenhouse grape plantations is no more than 10 hectares. In some greenhouses, strawberries are grown as a second crop, and the process of "production symbiosis" is growing. Experts from the associations of winegrowers and berry growers believe that in 2022 the area of ​​greenhouses for the production of these crops will increase, possibly several times.

The basis for the optimistic forecast is the consistently high prices for extra-early products. For example, in 2021, the best greenhouse grapes of the first harvest were exported to Poland at a price of 60-70 lei / kg ($ 3.4-3.9 / kg). Two weeks after the start of harvesting, in mid-June, the price dropped to 50-55 lei / kg ($ 2.8-3.1 / kg). But at this price, local grapes from greenhouses were in high demand in the domestic market of Moldova.

Local greenhouse strawberries are sold only on the domestic market. High prices for it have been maintained over the past two years thanks to actively developing sales on online platforms and targeted delivery. This is a rather specific consumer sector, with a high level of solvency and high requirements for product quality. Berry farmers hope for it this year as well.

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