Walnut growers in southern and central Moldova plan to start harvesting the early export variety Peschansky on a large scale between September 18 and 20, which is approximately one week later than in 2024, according to Logos Press. Last year, extreme summer heat, with daytime temperatures close to 40°C for several weeks, led to an earlier harvest.
According to Oleg Tyrsine, head of the Moldovan Walnut Growers Association (ANRM), the recent rainfall across most regions has helped the green husks of the nuts crack naturally, signaling technical ripeness. This will simplify post-harvest processes and improve overall nut quality.
"Nut quality this year, particularly size and fullness, strongly depends on irrigation and nutrition schemes," says Tyrsine. "In my own orchard, I applied two rounds of micro-irrigation, totaling about 600 liters per tree, along with foliar feeding. The difference in nut quality compared to non-irrigated orchards is very noticeable."
While official procurement prices for export have not yet been announced, traders are optimistic. They expect that early-season prices may be slightly higher than last year. In 2024, wholesale prices for shelled Peschansky walnuts ranged between 25–30 MDL/kg (~€1.28–1.54/kg), while light kernel halves sold for 100–120 MDL/kg (~€5.13–6.15/kg).
The European market will partly depend on imports from China. Early Chinese walnuts of the "185" variety are already being offered at $2.30–2.40/kg in-shell. Moldovan walnuts, however, occupy a different price category and harvest window, offering distinct timing and quality advantages. Yet, European buyers are increasingly viewing Chinese walnuts, both shelled and in-shell, as a standard option, which could influence market dynamics for Moldovan nuts.
Source: logos-pres.md