The “Farmers’ Power” Association in Moldova is demanding that the government provide an explanation regarding the 50% discount on rail tariffs for Ukrainian cargo transiting through the country.
Local farmers are concerned that they only learned about this agreement after it was made public, and they are worried about the possible consequences for the domestic market. According to Newsmaker, farmers have expressed interest in the rapid transit of Ukrainian grain and oilseeds but fear that this transit could effectively become imports.
Association representatives expressed disappointment at the lack of consultation with local farmers, given the negative experience of 2022–2023. Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Volodymyr Bolya had previously mentioned the possibility of supporting transit only for a short period, but the current decision provides for the discount to remain in effect until the end of 2026.
“We were ignored. The decision was made without taking our interests into account, as if we didn’t exist,” stated the “Farmers’ Power” association.
Farmers are also concerned that an increase in the volume of Ukrainian grain transit could negatively affect prices for Moldovan grains and oilseeds, as well as export relations, particularly with Romania. The association is insisting on transparent explanations from the government regarding the terms of transit and its impact on Moldova’s agriculture, and is also demanding an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.
On August 12, the Moldovan government announced an agreement with Ukraine to reduce rail transit tariffs by 50%. The new tariffs have been in effect since August 10.
