Важа Джаши, Стелла Островецки
The new production complex, part of the Trans-Oil Group, has the capacity to process up to 1,000 tons of rapeseed per day, making it the largest facility of its kind in the country and in this region.
This state-of-the-art facility has become an important link in the development of Moldova’s processing industry and agriculture, ensuring a full cycle: from rapeseed cultivation on Moldovian fields to the production of high-quality oil and meal, demanded both domestically and internationally.
“We are continuing our strategy of deepening processing within the republic. This production complex is not just a set of equipment; it is an investment in Moldova’s sustainable development as an agricultural country. We are creating a product with high added value and keeping it within the national economy,” stated Vaja Jhashi, Chairman of the Board of Trans-Oil Group.
Rapeseed is a crop with strong commercial potential, well-adapted to Moldova’s climate. The new complex not only provides processing for the locally grown harvest but also ensures a stable market for local farmers, encouraging the expansion of cultivated areas and the modernization of the agricultural sector.
“We aim for synergistic and mutually beneficial cooperation with agricultural producers. Without a strong and resilient farming sector, efficient processing is not possible. We are growing together and creating better conditions for agri-companies: a guaranteed sales market through long-term contracting models, and importantly, reduced logistics costs thanks to domestic processing capacities, eliminating the need for export deliveries as in the past. We are confident that this project will provide a powerful boost to the entire industry,” emphasized Stella Ostrovetchi, General Director of Floarea Soarelui SA, part of Trans-Oil Group.
As a result of processing 40,000 tons of rapeseed seeds, the facility produced 18,300 tons of oil and 21,500 tons of meal.
The main market for rapeseed oil became the European Union (Bulgaria and Romania), where it is used for the production of sustainable biodiesel. This oil serves as raw material for HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) — a second-generation biodiesel. This type of fuel is chemically similar to regular diesel but reduces CO₂ emissions by 65–90%, while also lowering other harmful emissions. In addition, rapeseed oil is used in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The meal was exported to the EU market, specifically Italy. Its balanced composition of protein, fiber, and oil makes it a valuable component in compound feed production for the livestock industry.
The trade of rapeseed processing products — oil and meal — reflects broader trends in agriculture, energy, and global food security.
The economic impact of the new production facility has strategic significance:
- Increased foreign currency inflows through the export of finished products;
- Contribution to a positive trade balance for the country;
- Reduced dependence on imports of feed and oils;
- Growth of the processing industry’s share in GDP;
- Stimulation of related industries: logistics, agro-services, technical engineering;
- Enhanced investment attractiveness of the agricultural sector and the country as a whole.
This project demonstrates Moldova’s potential to shift from raw material exports to a deep processing model, where added value is created within the country. It is a step towards strengthening food security, sustainable growth, and technological modernization of the agricultural economy.
