“We chose table grapes of the “Moldova” variety because we saw in it commercial potential, the ability to ensure the profitability of the business,” states Dimitri Caramalac. – We wanted to produce good, quality grapes, earn money, create jobs and live better here in Moldova”.
Currently, this agricultural farm in Taraclia cultivates 25 hectares of fruit-bearing and 10 hectares of vineyards of the “pergola” system, as well as 6 hectares of peach and nectarine. The development of the company went in parallel with the diversification of production and investments in quality.
In the first period of Carmalac Agro’s operation, its products were mainly exported to the CIS market. However, in the last three to four years, the company has increasingly focused its activities on the European market, where the requirements for quality and traceability of products are much stricter.
Important support in this process was provided by Biyaz Salkim, one of the first producers in the south of the country to enter the European market after the introduction of quality and product safety standards. According to Mr. Dimitri Karamalac, it was this experience that played an important role in the decision to prepare for GLOBALG.A.P. certification.
“Mrs. Vera Yabanji was among the first producers from the south of the country to enter the European market. She guided us and helped us with practical advice. It was on her advice that we decided to go through all the stages of GLOBALG.A.P. certification,” says the company administrator.
During 2025, the producer worked within the cooperation model organized by the Moldova Fruct Association in partnership with the exporter Biyaz Salkim. This model allowed unifying technologies, phytosanitary treatments, record keeping and hygienic practices – elements that are difficult to effectively control individually when entering the EU market.
The process of preparing for certification was also supported by the younger generation of the family. “My son was involved in the certification of GLOBALG.A.P. He participated in workshops, trainings and closely followed everything that needed to be done. For him, the organizational and documentation part was not a problem. The certification helps us to enter the trade networks and to be more easily accepted on the European market. Customers want to see that we produce correctly and according to clear quality and safety standards. I think thanks to GLOBALG.A.P. certification we sell grapes at a better price”, notes Dmitri Karamalak.
According to the producer, the practical changes on the farm were implemented relatively easily. The infrastructure required by the standard was set up: sanitary rooms, hand washing areas, areas for workers to eat and areas for handling phytosanitary preparations.
In 2025, Dimitri Caramalac was among the nine small and medium-sized producers who received GLOBALG.A.P. certification as part of a comprehensive training, mentoring and technical training program implemented by the Moldova Fruct Association with the support of Switzerland and Helvetas Moldova through the OPTIM project.
