Moldova agribusiness delegation to visit Lodi

LODI

January 31, 2014
12:28pm

•  Arriving from Moldova’s wine region

•  Studying best practices in industry

Four business leaders from Gagauzia, Moldova, a country in eastern Europe, are expected to be touring vineyards and wineries in the Lodi area next month. It’s part of a visit to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. The Northern California World Trade Center recommended the delegation include a visit to Lodi.

They’re expected to have more than a passing interest in how the Lodi area has grown its winemaking activities. “With its moderate climate and good farmland, Moldova’s economy relies heavily on its agriculture,” the CIA World Fact Book says. An autonomous government within Moldova, Gagauzia’s main industry is winegrapes.

The goals of the visit include

• Learning effective marketing strategies employed in the agritourism and wine industries

• Examining best practices for implementing and operating an agritourism business and winery

• Sources of funding

• Risks associated with capital investments

• State level laws and requirements

• The importance of chambers of commerce to the success of an industry

• Understanding regulations that govern the wine industry

• Bottling and distribution requirements

• Health and safety concerns

• Import and export regulations

• Cultivation and treatment of grapes

• To become familiar with the process of creating a regional winemakers association.

Banking institutions, various professional service providers, travel agency, winery representatives, or anyone else interested in greeting the delegation in Lodi on Feb. 12 are encouraged to contact Alexandria Solari at alexandria@gayaldointernational.com or call (209) 327-0759 for more information.