Sunflower production and export potential of the Republic of Moldova: evaluation, valorification

Abstract

This paper analyzes and evaluates sunflower production and export potential of the Republic of Moldova. The article also provides a comparative analysis of sunflower production and export potential in relation to different countries, especially in EU countries. The following research methods were used in the presented work: economic analysis, logical, monographic, synthesis, comparative, etc. The research revealed the main producers, exporters and importers of sunflower in the world, EU, and Republic of Moldova. Based on national statistics, the main sunflower indicators in the country have been analyzed in terms of area, yield, and gross harvest for the period 2017-2023. In 2022, the EU received about 300,000 tones of sunflower seeds, while Ukraine, which is the world's largest producer of sunflower seeds, made a very insignificant contribution - less than 60,000 tones of EU imports. Strengthening trade agreements and improving export logistics can enhance market access and competitiveness of the Republic of Moldova.