Fourteen members of the Moldova Fruct Association, including professors from the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), participated in a study visit to Graz, Austria, from July 20 to 26, 2025, dedicated to modern and sustainable practices in fruit growing.

For a week, participants explored intensive cherry, apricot, and plum orchards, analyzed competitive varieties, modern irrigation systems, and technologies for protection against extreme weather events such as frost or hail. They also visited research stations, producer groups, and agricultural digital technology companies.

"The visit to Austria was more than an exchange of experience, it was an exercise in vision. We saw how fruit growing adapted to climate challenges and European market requirements works, based on technology, collaboration, and quality. We want Moldova Fruct members to turn the knowledge they gained in Austria into action, to implement modern solutions, and to create added value in the production chain. We have potential, and such initiatives help us to capitalize on it intelligently," said Moldova Fruct Executive Director Iurie Fală.

"We explored intensive cherry, apricot, and plum orchards, where we closely analyzed new and competitive varieties adapted to the current demands of European markets. At the same time, we discovered modern crop protection technologies designed to optimize production and respond to climate challenges. We also discussed the current challenges in fruit growing, common to both Austria and the Republic of Moldova, such as: lack of access to water and the need for irrigation systems, protection against heat waves, the increased risk of late frosts and the need to implement anti-hail systems, but also the technological solutions applied in Austria to combat these problems and the practices that can be adapted to the conditions in the Republic of Moldova," said Elena Davidescu, marketing director, Ceteronis.

"I was impressed by how the Austrians have adapted their orchards to the demands of the European market. Everything is geared towards quality, sustainability, and efficiency. I want to implement anti-hail systems, efficient irrigation, and market-demanded varieties on my farm. Exchanges of experience like this help us evolve. It is clear that the future lies in quality production, not quantity," said Tudor Zmeu, director of ZTV Trans Group SRL.

"I had the opportunity to study methods of combating late frosts, sprinkler irrigation, the use of smoke candles, and structures adapted for tree training. I saw rain and hail protection systems in action, as well as differences between the treatments applied in conventional and organic crops. I also appreciated the fact that the participants were very impressed, and some were determined to implement in Moldova the technological solutions they saw in Austria," concluded Ananie Peșteanu, associate professor at UTM.