Moldovan farmers threaten protests over VAT increase on grains and oilseeds

Moldova’s Farmers’ Force Association said it is prepared to hold a protest on the day of the second-reading vote on the 2027 fiscal policy if negotiations over agricultural taxation fail to produce a favorable outcome. The vote is expected on September 24–25, and agricultural machinery could be involved in the protests.

Farmers’ main concern is the government’s plan to raise the VAT rate on grains and oilseeds by 50% to 12%. The association’s council unanimously approved the possibility of protests after reviewing the bill, which has already passed its first reading.

Farmers also oppose an increase in the income tax rate for peasant farms and higher excise duties on diesel fuel in the absence of a reimbursement mechanism for agricultural producers. According to the association, the changes would have the greatest impact on micro, small and medium-sized farms.

Ahead of the vote, Farmers’ Force plans to participate in all public consultations on the fiscal policy and is calling for a separate discussion on VAT in agriculture involving parliamentary committees and the agriculture minister. Farmers also intend to hold meetings with lawmakers in the regions.

The association said farmers’ costs have risen in recent years due to more expensive inputs and the impact of adverse weather, while state support remains limited. It also noted that VAT rates for agriculture in several Central and Southern European countries range from 5% to 11%, while farmers receive additional direct payments per hectare.

Tags: Grains, oilseeds, protests, VAT, Moldova