Dumitru Quijaya
For three days, almost 3000 exhibitors from more than 90 countries will present their products, technologies and visions for the future of agriculture. Romania’s absence is therefore more than surprising.
Commenting on this situation, Romanian blogger, greenhouse operations manager at Evergreen Solar Orizont Dumitru Chihaya is perplexed: “Spain will present hundreds of companies, Italy fills entire halls, France and the Netherlands organize national pavilions that look like mini exhibitions in themselves. And China, Turkey and Egypt are increasing their presence and commercial influence year after year. Three days during which everything that is moving in the global horticultural industry will come together under one roof. And also three days during which Romania, one of the largest agricultural countries in Europe, will be absent. No stand, no flag, no official presence, except for the modest participation of a representative of the Romanian embassy in Germany. It is as if for us, agriculture has stopped with the ox-drawn plow and the scythe.”
Moldova sets an example
The blogger notes that the exhibition will, of course, be visited by several agricultural specialists from Romania. But only as guests, not as exhibitors.
“Looking at Moldova, I see a very different picture,” continues Dumitru Chihaya. – For many years, the Moldovan Fruit Producers Association has been mobilizing Moldovan producers and exporters, offering them a platform for promotion, access to international fairs and technical support. With over 290 members, the association is doing its job and achieving tangible results: apple exports increased by 12% last year and exports to the EU grew by 87%. Moldova has entered the top 20 world exporters of plums, nuts, cherries and apricots. Moldovan fruits can now be found in more than 50 countries, and their constant presence at events such as Fruit Logistica, Fruit Attraction or Anuga has opened doors to markets that Romania can only dream of accessing”.
“Heretical” question on unification
In this regard, the agricultural manager draws a rather surprising conclusion.
“And here I ask myself a question that many would consider heretical: maybe it is not Moldova that should unite with Romania, but vice versa? Perhaps while we are still talking about reunification, it would be appropriate to take a closer look at what is working on the other side of the Prut? Award-winning wines, quality grapes, the power of association that we have been lacking (…). So perhaps ‘association’ should not be seen as a takeover, but as an opportunity to import the know-how we lack”.
Moldova is an example, not the richest, not the strongest, but one that works. What does it mean to be present at an exhibition? You can’t sell what you don’t show. Fruit Logistica is not just an exhibition, it is an indicator of seriousness. Whoever is absent is irrelevant. And Romania is absent, the Romanian blogger concludes his post.
