German expertise for Moldovan orchards: new opportunities with Artevos Varieties

In early April 2025, Moldova Fruct organized a practical workshop titled “Challenges and Opportunities in the Cultivation of Stone Fruits in Moldova”, hosted in the plum orchard of Ionex Trans SRL. The event brought together over 25 stone fruit growers from various regions of the country and offered a platform for discussion with leading international experts in fruit growing and plant breeding.

One of the key speakers was Enikő Barakonyi, Eastern Europe Manager at the German company Artevos GmbH. During her first visit to Moldova, she introduced producers to new stone fruit varieties developed by Artevos and adapted to the needs of the European market. Artevos unites ten nurseries under a common brand and acts as a bridge between breeders and certified nurseries across Europe.

“Artevos is an intermediary between breeders and nurseries. We grant propagation licenses only to certified nurseries that can guarantee virus-free and high-quality plant material,” said Barakonyi. “If you cut budwood or graftwood from uncontrolled orchards, you risk spreading viruses and diseases. That can be disastrous for growers.”

She emphasized the importance of establishing certified local mother orchards, which would allow for the production of healthy propagation material under strict phytosanitary supervision. This would help Moldovan producers gain better access to high-quality, locally propagated planting stock, reducing dependency on imports.

“The potential here is very high,” she noted. “I’ve met many well-informed and engaged growers. The climate is favorable, the interest is real, and some of our licensed varieties are already present in Moldovan orchards through imported trees. The next step is local partnership—someone who can represent these varieties, participate in fairs and seminars, and support awareness among producers.”

Despite her optimistic outlook, Barakonyi arrived in Moldova during one of the most challenging weather weeks of the season. Over the course of several days, temperatures dropped as low as -7 to -9°C, accompanied by snowfall and strong winds—conditions that severely threatened blossoming stone fruit orchards across the country.

“Yes, the timing was unfortunate,” she admitted. “But such weather events are becoming more common across Europe. I called my colleagues in Hungary—they’re facing the same cold wave. Still, these temporary conditions don’t take away from Moldova’s long-term potential to produce high-quality fruit.”

The workshop was organized by Moldova Fruct, with the support of German partners, including Artevos GmbH. Enikő Barakonyi’s presence and insights reflect a growing interest in Moldova as both a market and a partner in European fruit production. Her visit laid the groundwork for future collaboration, emphasizing the importance of healthy planting material, certified nurseries, and the development of locally rooted solutions for a competitive and resilient fruit sector.