Analysis of value added in the sunflower value chain in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Sunflower is one of the most valuable oilseed crops in the Republic of Moldova, contributing significantly to the agricultural trade balance and farmers’ incomes. However, the structure of the value chain of this crop reflects a deep economic imbalance, in which a large part of the economic value is captured in the final segments of the chain - processing, packaging and export - while farmers are left with low profit margins. The analysis of the value added on each segment of the value chain - from primary agricultural production, collection, processing, to the export of the finished product – provides a clear picture of how economic benefits are distributed and highlights bottlenecks and potential areas for strategic intervention. In the context of a fragile rural economy and volatile markets, it is essential to identify opportunities through which Moldovan farmers can access higher value segments, whether through vertical cooperation, investments in microprocessing or integration into cooperatives. Methodologically, the assessment of added value involves calculating the difference between the sales value and the input costs for each stage, complemented by qualitative data on bargaining power, market access and managerial efficiency. Thus, the article aims to contribute to the development of economic and managerial solutions based on real data, with the aim of stimulating economic equity and competitiveness of the sunflower value chain in the Republic of Moldova, in an agricultural context in transition and with major structural challenges.