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The paper aims to present models of agricultural production optimization as tools for managers to increase yield, crop structure, crop rotation, increased efficiency and profitability. The two optimization models are: Case 1: Optimization of yield depending on wheat price and subsidy for increasing net return and profitability in wheat culture; Case 2: Optimal model for optimizing crop rotation in cereal culture with maximum income, having two solutions: (a) Basic optimal primal solution and (b) Basic optimal dual solution. The methodology included the calculations regarding the specific indicators reflecting the economic efficiency in wheat cropping for Case 1 and determination of the optimal primal and dual solutions assisted by SOLVER application from MS Excel for Case 2. The two examples come from vegetal farming but, other models of optimization could be developed in animal production for improving livestock structure by species and category and also in animal feeding setting up optimized feed ratios to sustain production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the evolution animal sector regarding livestock and production in Romania in the period 2007-2020. Two sub-periods: P1- 2007-2013 and P2 2014-2020 were compared for assessing if the achievements in P2 were superior. The data from the National Institute of statistics regarding livestock and production by species were processed using fixed basis index, structural index, regression equations, coefficient of determination, multi annual mean per decade, absolute and relative differences between P2 and P1, in order to emphasize the trends and changes during the studied period. The results emphasized the following: the number of bovines, pigs and poultry decreased, while the number of sheep and goats and bee families increased both in P2 and P1. The total animal live weight at slaughter diminished due to the lower and lower live weight of bovines and pigs. However, the increased live weight at slaughter of sheep, goats and poultry had a positive impact. Milk and egg production declined and continued in P2, while wool and honey production increased. Despite that agricultural production value in animal sector increased by +20,420 trillion Lei in 2020 versus 2007, it was by 68.61% smaller than the agricultural production value achieved in the vegetal sector. In consequence, the contribution of animal sector to agricultural output was just 31.39% in the year 2020. The gaps in domestic production have to be covered by imports to meet consumers' requirements and this will deepen the deficit in agro-food trade balance. The reduction of CO2 emissions in agriculture, where 50% come from animal sector, obliges farmers to set up strategies destined to promote animal products obtained from more environment friendly technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed Romania's agro-food export, import and trade balance with the EU-27 countries in the period 2013-2021 using the empirical evidence from National Institute of Statistics. Fixed basis and structural indices, as well as Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), Gini-Struck Index (GSI) and the Coefficient of Concentration (CC) were used to characterize the concentration degree of the agri-food trade. In 2021, export value accounted for Euro 5,471.8 Million, import value for Euro 8,459.7 Million and the trade balance registered a deficit of Euro -2,987.9 Million. The figures reflect an increase both in export and import, but import exceeded the export reflecting that Romania is a net importer of agro-food products. The highest market share in Romania's export is kept by Italy, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Hungary, France, Greece, Belgium and Poland, while the main import partners are Germany, Hungary, Poland, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, France, Greece and Belgium. The concentration degree both in case of export and import is small as proved by the values of HHI, ranging between 0.0845 and 0.0996 for export and between 0.1065 and 0.1106 for import. GSI values ranged between 0.2220 and 0.2406 for export and between 0.2687 and 0.2764 for import. CC values were below 0.5 also reflecting a competitive market. To diminish the dependence of imports, agro-food export has to be stimulated by the increase of agricultural production which has to provide more products with high value added and of a higher quality to enhance competitiveness, and also imports have to be revised and a better resource allocation is needed to strengthen internal production and cover better domestic consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the importance of production and import in food availabilities in Romania in the period 2015-2020, using the data provided by National Institute of Statistics. the following indicators were studied: total consumption, consumption per inhabitant, production, production/consumption rate, import, import/consumption rate, export, trade balance, import/export ratio, food availabilities, production share and import share in food availabilities, self-sufficiency rate. Dynamic analysis, mean, growth rate in 2020 versus 2015, comparisons were the main tools used for data processing. The results showed that consumption increased for fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and declined for potatoes, cereals, sugar and eggs, as consumers are more oriented to a healthier diet. Production increased for fruits (26.7%), meat(3.3%), potatoes (2.8%), but it declined for sugar (-65%), eggs (- 17%), milk (-5%), fish (-5%), and vegetables (-2.7%). In 2020 vs.2015, production covered consumption of cereals, potatoes, fruits, eggs and milk, but not for meat and fish. Imports increased for all the products, the growth rates varying between 136.7% for sugar and 17% for fish and cereals. The coverage rate of consumption by import was 101% for cereals, 97% for sugar, 91% for fish, 64% for fruits, 39% for meat, 38% for fats, 29% for potatoes, 23% for milk, 17% for vegetables and 10% for eggs. Agro-food export increased for all the products, but with a lower rate than import, resulting a negative trade balance, cereals and honey being excepted. Import/export ratio was the smallest for cereals (0.34), but high for the other products (21.5 for potatoes, 13.7 for fish, 12 for fruits, 10.1 for vegetables, 4 for milk, 3.8 for sugar, and 3.6 for meat). Self-sufficiency rate was over 100% for cereals and honey, and below 100% for all the other products, the lowest level being for fish and sugar. The share of import in food availabilities was 91% for fish, 89% for sugar, 39% for meat, 35.9% for fruits, 32.4% for cereals, 30% for fats, 20.7% for vegetables, 18.4% for milk, 17.6% for potatoes, and 8.1 % for eggs. As a conclusion, the high share of imports is a result of the incapacity of agricultural production to cover market needs for all the product categories. Farmers have to increase productivity, product quality, to join in associative forms, and create short supply food chains to sell their products. Imports are justified mainly in cases where production is not sufficient to cover the internal market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed rural population, rural working age population, civil population occupied in agriculture and agricultural output value using the data from National Institute of Statistics for the period 2008-2020. Trend line, regression equations, coefficient of determination, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient represented the methodological means for processing the data. Romania had still a high labour resource accounting for 6.23 million persons in 2020, by 10% more than in 2008. In the period 2008-2020, the population able to work declined in almost all the regions, except North East and Bucharest Ilfov, but, the rural population having the age to work increased in various proportions in all the regions. However, civil population occupied in agriculture declined by - 30% from 2,407 thousand persons in 2008 to 1,681 thousand persons in 2020. Population aging and migration are the main causes of this decrease. The decline in the territory ranged between -31.3% in North East and -25% in Bucharest-Ilfov. Agricultural production value increased by +21.6% from Ron 66,993 Million in 2008 to Ron 81,400 Million in 2020. In 2020, the highest agricultural output value was achieved in South Muntenia, North East, North West, South West Oltenia, South East. Analyzing the linear dependency between the ranks of civil population occupied in agriculture and agricultural output value, we noticed that in 2008, it was not found such a connection, as Spearman's correlation coefficient was rS = 0.1004, tcrit 6;0.05 was 1,943 and RI = 0.4748 < 0.1943. However, in 2020, between the ranks of the two studied indicators was found a linear dependency reflected by rS = 0.739, RI = 2.26, tcrit 6;0.05 was 1,943, therefore RI > tcrit. As a final conclusion, while the population occupied in agriculture decreases, agricultural production value increases due to the decline in civil population occupied in this economic sector caused by aging and migration, increased performance in agricultural production, grace to technological progress and a better farm management, price volatility for agricultural products, financial support according to the CAP of the EU and Romania's Government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the efficiency of labor force input in the EU using the most representative indicators: agricultural production and gross value added per 1,000 AWU and also of Factor A in the decade 2011-2020. The applied methodology included fixed basis index in 2020 vs 2011, average annual growth rate in the interval, and market share. In the period 2011-2020, the EU agricultural output value and gross value added have definitely increased, accounting for Euro 411.77 Billion and, respectively, Euro 176,96 Billion in 2020, while labour input continued to decline reaching an employment rate of 4.37%. In 2020, the EU agricultural output value per 1,000 AWU accounted for Euro 60 Million while GVA for Euro 20.83 Million. While Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Sweden, France are in the top compared to the EU average for agricultural output per AWU, Latvia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Poland, Croatia and Romania are situate in the opposite corner. Compared to the EU average of Euro 20.83 Million for GVA/1,000 AWU, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany are on the top positions, while Bulgaria, Latvia, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland and Romania are on the last positions. Indicator A or Factor income reached 124% in 2020 being by 24% higher than in 2010. The highest Indicator A belongs to Bulgaria and Hungary, while the lowest one to Germany, Austria, Finland, Netherlands and Belgium. In conclusion, the efficiency of the use of labour force differs from an EU member state to another depending on its efforts to increase net gross value and decrease labour input. Only the growth of agricultural output, the optimization of intermediate consumption, the raise of net GVA, the decline in labor input but using only a high qualified, conscious, responsible, workable labor force and taking measures to face the climate change, the EU could grow the labour productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is one of the basic elements of human security that can only be ensured through a sustainable development of society. On the other hand, food security is an important element of global and national security, and is ensured at European level through the common defence and security policies implemented by the Member States. And this food security, which for many countries in the world is already a difficult problem to manage, was affected in 2019 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the whole world to face an unprecedented crisis and which, although it affected the whole world, had an even greater effect on the poor populations that suffered even more, amid an increase in hunger anyway for four consecutive years, that is in the period 2017-2020. In this paper we aimed to analyze the food security situation in European Union countries and how the Covid-19 crisis has affected it. Based on the data provided by international databases, the information was processed, analyzed so that conclusions can be drawn that highlighted the fact that food security is one of the issues of concern to decision makers internationally, but which is ensured for European Union countries this is due to the developed agricultural sector and the productions that manage to ensure the food needs of the European population. The analyzed indicators followed both the agricultural areas and the GDP value, but also the value of the imports and exports of agri-food products at the level of the member countries of the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of the cultivated area and production in oilseeds crops, especially on sunflower, rape and soybean, in Romania in the decade 2010-2019 in order to identify the main trends and changes, using trend line models and to set up the forecast for 2020-2014 horizon, based on the results of 2019 and the average annual growth in the analyzed period. In 2019, Romania cultivated 1.8 million ha with oilseeds crops, of which 71.3% sunflower, 19.6% rape and 8.8% soybean, and produced 4,792 thousand tons seeds, of which 74.4% from sunflower, 16.6% from rape and 8.6% from soybean. The areas and output increased in case of sunflower and soybean, while rape registered a decline. For the year 2024, it is expected as Romania will cultivate 2,015 thousand ha with oilseeds plants, of which sunflower 77.3 %, rape 13.2% and soybean 10.3%, and to produce 6,133 thousand tons seeds of which 79% from sunflower, 11.7% from rape and 7.5 % from soybean. Rape crop was deeply affected by the severe droughts in the last years and this diminished seeds output. In 2019, Romania occupied the following positions in the EU-28 for production performance: the 3rd for oilseeds output, the 1st for sunflower seeds, the 2nd for soybean seeds and the 5th for rape seeds. To increase performance in oilseed sector, Romanian farmers have to adapt to the climate change paying attention to the following technological aspects: to use high earlier and production potential varieties and hybrids and resistant to drought, diseases and pests; to chose the best period for sowing depending on the soil moisture and temperature, to assure an optimum fertilization level, crop maintenance and harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed price elasticity of production for short run for wheat, maize, sunflower, milk, pork, beef and honey in Romania and in its eight micro-regions in the period 2016-2018. Elasticity coefficients were determined using Cook's formula. At Romania's level, the price growth by 1% will determine the increase of output for wheat, maize, milk, and pork, but lower than price growth rate. Considering that other factors of influence are constant, the growth of the acquisition price will favor the increase of production in the territory of Romania as follows: for wheat in NW, SE, Bucharest Ilfov and S W Oltenia micro-regions; for maize in almost all the micro-regions except Bucharest-Ilfov and West; for sunflower in BIF and SW Oltenia; for pork, in the Center, SE, S Muntenia, SW Oltenia and West regions; for beef only in NW and NE regions; for milk in NW and S Muntenia; for honey in the Center, NE, S Muntenia, and SW Oltenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the EU-28 milk sector in the decade 2009-2018 based on Eurostat Database, using fixed indices, trend method and comparisons among the member states regarding number of dairy cows, number of dairy farms, average number of cows per farm, milk yield, raw milk production on farms and milk deliveries to dairies and milk price. In 2018, the EU-28 had 22.9 million dairy cows, 1.2 million dairy farms, the number of cows per farm varied between 219 heads in Czechia and 2.4 heads in Romania. Milk yield was 7,021 kg/cow/year, but the EU average was exceeded by 14 countries. The highest yield, 9,504 kg/cow was in Denmark and the lowest one, 2.877 kg is in Bulgaria. The EU produced 172.2 million tonnes raw milk of which 91 % was delivered to dairies. Average production per inhabitant is 336 kg. The results proved the decline of the number of cows and dairy farms, the growth of the average number of dairy cows per farms, milk yield, milk production and marketed milk. The main milk producing countries in the EU are: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Ireland, Romania and Spain. The EU has a large spectrum of farms from the most numerous subsistence farms to the largest specialized farms. The largest farms with over 30 dairy cows per farm as percentage of the total dairy farms are in: France (92.2%), Germany (70.5%), Netherlands (77.6%), Italy (32.1%) and Poland (10.65%). The specialized dairy farms have the highest production and standard output performance. The milk price crisis from 2014-2016 affected dairy farmers, despite that the EU Commission took corresponding measures to protect them. Farmers have to continue to reduce the number of farms and dairy cows, and to grow yield in order to produce and deliver more raw milk to dairies. In this purpose they have to invest more in farm modernization, to optimize nutrition and selection, to obtain a higher quality milk for getting a better return in terms of price at farm gate, income and profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the efficiency of the utilization of the agricultural land in the EU-28 and in each country based on a system of specific indicators, among which the most important ones have been the agricultural production and gross value added per ha of utilized agricultural land. The data provided by Eurostat were processed establishing the average level in the decade 2009-2018 both at the EU and every country level. The comparison among countries was based on the EU-mean resulting in this interval. The results proved that 71.46 % (128.55 Mil. ha) of the EU-28 agricultural land is used by France, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Romania and Italy. About 77.58% of the EU agricultural output is produced by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland and Romania. The highest agricultural output per ha of used area was achieved by Malta, Cyprus, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Luxemburg, Slovenia, Austria and France. About 86.65 % (Euro Bil. 144.72) gross value added is produced in agriculture by Italy, France, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Greece and Hungary. Only Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Malta exceeds 40.95 %, the EU-28 average share of gross value added in the value of agricultural output. The EU achieved Euro 671.1 per ha of utilized land and 15 member states are able to exceed it (Malta, Netherlands, Cyprus, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Slovenia, France, Luxemburg, Croatia and Portugal). As a conclusion, taking into account the two indicators: agricultural output and gross value added per ha of utilized area, the countries with the highest economic efficiency of land use are Malta, Cyprus, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Greece, Slovenia, Luxemburg, France, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal and Croatia. To make land use more efficient in agriculture, farmers have to optimize the combination of production factors in order to grow agricultural production and gross value added per ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the status of Sorghum crop worldwide, in the EU and Romania regarding the cultivated area, production, yield and trade pointing out the main trends. The data provided by the Data bases of NIS and Faostat have been processed using usual methods such as fixed index and comparison. In 2017, the world Sorghum production reached 63.9 million tonnes, and the average yield 1,427 kg/ha. The main producers of Sorghum are the USA, Nigeria, Sudan, Mexico, Ethiopia and India. In 2017, the EU represented just 0.12% of the world area cultivated with Sorghum. and produced 755 thousand tonnes of grains,i.e.1.18% of the world output. But, the EU average yield is 5,580 kg/ha, being 3.81 times higher than the world mean. In main EU producers of Sorghum are: Italy, France, Spain, Romania, Austria, Hungary, and Bulgaria. In 2017, Romania cultivated 13,833 ha, representing 25.2% of the EU area and produced 54,282 tonnes Sorghum grains, i.e.7.18% to the EU output. Per surface unit, Romania carried out 3,879 kg/ha, 2.71 times more than the world mean and by 30% less than in the EU. Romania is also an important exporter of sorghum grains and the trade balance is positive. Due to the advantages of this crop and taking into account the need to mitigate the effects of climate change, the EU policy provides a new perspective to grow the cultivated surface and production. Romanian farmers must use new technologies, paying attention to high value hybrids, fertilization and plant protection to improve yield, and production. Romania has to keep its position as an important producer and exporter of Sorghum in the EU by developing this agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed sunflower seeds sector in Romania in terms of production, exported and imported quantities, export and import value, trade balance and export and import prices in the period 2007-2017 and set up the forecast for the horizon 2018-2022 using the extrapolation method. Romania has a good performance in production and export of sunflower seeds, being ranked on the top position in the EU-28. The volume and quality of sunflower seeds has continuously grown, and the exported amount as well. The imported amount is 6 times lower than import, which favours the trade balance. The export was higher and higher and covered the import value resulting a positive trade balance. But, import price is higher than export price having a negative impact on the trade efficiency. For this reason, imported quantities should be kept at a low level. In the year 2022, it is expected as the seeds production. export and import to increase, as well as the trade balance to preserve its positive value. Farmers should pay attention to use high value cultivars and hybrids, to apply modern technologies, and improve the product market chain. The high demand for sunflower seeds for producing oil and biodiesel mainly in the EU and in other external markets is a chance for Romania to intensify its export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the contribution of the domestic trade to the economic development of Romania in the period 2008-2017 in terms of contribution to GDP, investments, jobs, labor productivity, number of companies in operation and turnover. The data taken from the National Institute of Statistics were processed using fixed basis indices, growth rates, structural changes, comparisons to emphasize the main aspects which characterize the evolution of home trade and of its subsectors. The results proved the important role that home trade has in the economy. In 2016, it contributed by Lei 160 Billion 918.7%) to GDP, by Lei 20.06 Billion (20%) to the investments in the economy, by 1,884 thousand persons (22.5%) to the occupied population, but in a lower measure to the increase of labour productivity. Home trade is attractive for small business investors as proved by the increased number of new companies in 2016. At present, 45.4% of the enterprises operating in the economy are profiled on trade transactions. Also, home trade has contributed by Lei 565.1 Billion to the turnover in the economy. The increased sales are justified by the consumption high growth rate for goods and services. The wholesale and retail trade contributes by about 81% to the national turnover. Therefore, trade is a very important sector of activity which supports Romania's economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the impact of Romania's accession into the EU on honey production and trade, using the empirical provided by FAOSTAT and National Institute of Statistics. The methodology was adapted to the purpose of comparison between the pre and post accession period using fixed basis index, growth rate, absolute and relative differences, structural indices, specific trade ratios, and graphical representation. Romania is an important honey producer with a potential over 30,000 tonnes per year. The accession into the EU in 2007 has stimulated the development of apiculture. In 2017, Romania produced 30,177 tonnes honey of which, about 46% was exported mainly in the EU. Romania has over 1,600 thousand bee colonies and 46,000 apiculturists, meaning 24 bee families per apiary. Honey yield per bee family is 18.8 kg, but the potential is over 22 kg, less than in other EU countries. Weather conditions have deeply influenced apiculture performance during the last decade. Both acquisition and producer's price increased in the domestic market, and also the export/import price index was favorable to Romania due to the high quality of honey which is much required on the EU market. In 2016, the export value reached USD 41.4 Million, being 5.37 times higher than in 2000, and the import value achieved USD 8.9 Million, being 52.5 times higher than in the 1st year of the study. Trade balance accounted for USD 32.5 Million, being 4.3 times higher than in 2000. As a conclusion, the accession of Romania into the EU favored honey production, export and import and helped the EU to meet much better its internal market needs and intensify export. For this reason, beekeeping will continue to be an important sector of Romania's and EU agriculture in order to support pollination of agricultural crops, food security and safety and preserve biodiversity. Due to the strong competition, Romania should fight to maintain its position as a top honey producer and exporter of the EU. For this reason, beekeepers should increase apiary size, include organic honey as a market niche, assure honey certification brands and join in more associative forms for increasing efficiency along the honey market chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper goal was to analyze the technical endowment in terms of machinery in Romania's agriculture in the period 2007-2015 and to identify the main trends and problems which affect performance and competitiveness. In the analyzed period, the park of tractors and machinery increased as follows: tractors by 14.5%, ploughs by 13.9%, cultivators by 11.3%, seeders by 14.6%, combines for cereals by 11.4 and for fodder by 17%, machines for potatoes harvesting by 43.5%, presses for hay and straw by 121.7%, only windrowers and sprayers and dusters declined by 1.2%, respectively, by 2.6%. Despite this slight increase, the structure of agricultural machinery is still an uncorresponding one for keeping pace with new technologies. The utilized agricultural area (UAA) increased and as a result the UAA per tractor declined from 44.5 ha to 41.3, which is also a good aspect. Despite that agricultural production increase, its performance is not supported by mechanization mainly in the small sized holdings. The replacement of the existing old machinery with a high usage degree, whose repairs are costing, is obviously needed and requires substantial financial resources. the continuous growth of farm inputs price and the low price at farm gate for agricultural products do not assure farmers enough income to modernize mechanization. The Romanian Government should allocate a higher percentage from budget to agriculture for improving the park of tractors and agricultural machinery. Also, the financial aid per ha coming from the EU should be equitably divided among member states. Farmers need a better endowment in their farms to apply modern technologies and increase production, quality of agricultural products, economic efficiency and competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the dynamics of maize production in Romania and the influence of cultivated area and maize yield on this output, using the empirical data provided by the National Institute of Statistics for the period 2007-2015. The analysis is based on various methods like the chained substitution of factors, and fixed indices, coefficient of correlation and determination, and regression function. In the analyzed period, the cultivated area with maize increased by 3.12 % reaching 2,604 thousand tons in 2015. Romania potential to produce maize is about 12,000 thousand tons, placing the country among the top producers in the EU-28. Maize is the most important cereal crop contributing by 47 % to cereal production. In 2015, maize yield accounted for 3,449 kg/ha being by 126 % higher than in 2007, but tge performance is still very low compared to other EU countries. The main changes in maize production were determined by average maize production (r = 0.968 and R²= 0.9386), and in a weak measure by cultivated surface (r = 0.080 and R²=0.0065. The same aspect relationships were confirmed by the regression functions between these indicators. As a conclusion, maize yield is the key factor increasing production. Maize culture is cultivated in an intensive production system in Romania. Farmers should be on the factors supporting production growth as follows: to use high value certificated maize seeds from hybrids with a higher production potential, to apply the corresponding agricultural works according to the modern technologies, to take into account the need of crop rotation, to assure the corresponding plant density per unit of surface, the adequate doses of fertilizers, to take care of pest control, to assure irrigation and also to assure the insurance of maize culture against climate phenomena. Maize production is important for internal consumption and also for export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper was to analyze vegetables and mainly tomatoes contribution to fruit production and consumption in Romania. Based on the statistical data for the period 2007-2014, it was studied the dynamics of the surface cultivated with vegetables and tomatoes, vegetable and tomatoes production, tomatoes yield, vegetable and tomatoes production per inhabitant, and also consumption and producer's price. Although vegetable and tomatoes cultivated area declined by 22%, and respectively by 10%, vegetable production reached 3,808 thousand tons and tomatoes production 711 thousand tons in 2014. For this reason, Romania comes on the 8th position among the top tomatoes producers in the EU-28. The vegetable intake of 186 kg and tomatoes consumption of 38 kg per capita and year, Romania exceeds WHO's recommendations assuring a healthy offer to its inhabitants. Tomatoes are a top vegetable contributing by 18.3% to the cultivated area with vegetables and by 18.9% to vegetable production. But, tomatoes yield of 15.1 tons per ha in 2014 is still small compared to other top producers. And tomatoes price at farm gate is Euro 73/100 kg much higher than in other countries. For this reason, to increase productivity and efficiency along the product chain, it is needed to extend tomatoes growing in green houses by investing in modern farms where modern technologies to be implemented. Producers must join their capital and efforts into an associative forms, to enlarge farm size for getting cheaper farm inputs, for applying modern technologies, for better selling their products. An EU financial support is required, but the EU criteria should be revised and much better tailored to the concrete conditions of Romania's small holdings, which are the most numerous in the Community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to comparatively analyze the economic efficiency of Paulownia Species, Shan Tung variety, grown for producing 10,000 saplings in pots at SC Galya 3000 SRL, Cerneteaz Commune, Timis County, Romania in the year 2016. The research includes three alternatives for producing 10,000 saplings in pots as follows: V1- saplings in pots 7x7x8 cm, V2- saplings in pots of 19 cm, and V3-saplings in pots of 36 cm. In case of V3, the production cost for 8 months to produce saplings of 1-1.5 m height in a pot of 36 cm was Lei 8.95, 2 times higher compared to V2, where the cost per sapling of 50 cm in a pot of 19 cm was Lei 4.06 and 7.16 times higher than in case of V1, where the cost per sapling of 4 cm in a small pot of 8 cm was Lei 1.25. The income is 6 times higher in case of V3 compared to V1 and 2 times higher compared to V2, and as a consequence, the gross profit increases from V1 to V3, while the profit rate decreases from 300.14% in case of V1 to 235.04% in case of V3. Therefore, the profit rate is enough high to consider Paulownia growing a real business for all the three variants. As a final conclusion, Paulownia tree growing is a real business for farmers interested to get income and profit in a short period of time varying from1.5 months to 8 months. Also, the plants could be grown in plantations for fuel and furniture wood whose price is much higher if the wood is sold in the international market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper goal was to analyze the dynamics and distribution of maize cultivated area and production in Romania and in its regions of development, using empirical data provided by the National Institute of Statistics for the period 2007-2013. The statistical parameters: mean, deviation standard and coefficient of variation were determined in order to characterize each indicator. With 2.5 million ha cultivated with maize Romania came on the top position in the EU-28.For maize production, it is on the 2nd position after France. Romania's production increased more 2.7 times in the analyzed period, and the contribution of the development regions to it was the following one in 2013: 22.29 % South Muntenia, 18.18 % South East, 18.19 % North East, 13.06 % South West Oltenia, 12.47 % West, 9.68 % North West, 5.69 % Central part and 0.44 % Bucharest-Ilfov. The means, standard deviations and the variation coefficients proved that both the cultivated area and maize production registered a high variation from a region to another. The discrepancies among the regions concerning soil and climate conditions, farm size, technical endowment, applied technologies, maize varieties, farm management resulted in a high variability of production performance. For Romania, maize is a strategic crop which could cover both the internal market, and become a good product for export on the foreign market. As a result, the Romanian farmers should be aware that the yield growth must be their main objective which should be reached using high potential hybrids resistant to drought and diseases, and extending irrigation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to comparatively analyze the economic efficiency for two experimental variants in Mulberry tree growing as follows: V1 - Mulberry planatation 0.5 ha + Layer maker 0.5 ha; V2 - Mulberry plantation 0.5 ha + Seed Field 0.2 ha + Layer maker 0.1 ha + Sowing Field 0.2 ha. The V2 variant assured Euro 51,915.49 profit, while V1 just Euro 3,675.41 profit. Therefore, the most profitable variant is V2. This means that production diversification in mulberry tree growing could have positive effects leading to an increased profitability. The hierarchy of the variants was made based on profit that the sericiculturist could get in the first 8 years of activity when mulberry plantation will reach the maximum production [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper purpose was to identify the main trends in the Romanian sheep and goat meat market based on the analysis of the specific indicators regarding sheep and goat livestock and production at country level and by region, using the data provided by National Institute of Statistic for the period 1990-2010. About 198,729 farmers are raising sheep and goats and the average farm size is about 16 heads. The sheep and goat livestock declined by 36 % in the analyzed period accounting for 9,658 thousand heads in 2010. Sheep/goat ratio changed from 14/1 in 1990 to 6.78/1 in 2010, in the advantage of goats. Sheep and goats are mainly grown in Central, North-Eastern and South-Western Romania. Mutton and goat meat production accounted for 1,305 thousand tons in 2010, being by 46 % lower than in 1990 because of livestock decline. About 23 % mutton and sheep meat is produced in the South-Eastern Romania, 18 % in the Central part and 14 % in North-East. The share of mutton and goat meat declined from 8.38 % in 1990 to 7.66 % in 2010 in total meat production in the country. As a conclusion, mutton and goat meat market registered a decline during the last decades, in favor of pork and poultry meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the EU-27 position in the world grape production based on the data collected from FAO Stat data base for the period 2000-2008, using the index and share methods. The EU-27 is the most important vine cultivator and grape producer in the world. With its 3.5 million ha planted with vine, it accounts for 90.21 % of Europe's area of vineyards and 48.14 % of the world vine area. In 2008, the EU-27 produced 25.1 million tones grapes placing it on the top position and contributing by 41.56 % to the world production. The top European countries: Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Romania achieved 21.8 million tones grapes, representing 86.98 % of the EU-27 and 32.96 % of the world grape production. Italy, Spain and France are among the top 10 grape producers in the world. As a conclusion, even thou the EU-27 planted area decreased by 8.24 % and its grape production declined by 16.16 %, the EU-27 continues to remain the main grape producer in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to identify the specialists'opinion on the development of integrated sericiculture in family reproduction farms, using the structured questionnaire based survey on a sample of 480 individuals. The family reproduction farm needs 1 ha agricultural land (50 % mulberry plantation and 50 % seed plantation, layer making field, sowing field), 150 s.m. silkworms rearing space. This farm could achieve 400 kg silk cocoons, of which the most of part could be used for producing 1,000 egg boxes and distribute them to other farmers, 10 kg cocoons for silk filament, 25 kg pupae for pharmaceutical purpose, 50 kg unreeling cocoons for producing handicrafts in the farm, 10 kg lint, 2,000 kg layer wastes for fish feeding. From the analysis of 30 integrated production variants based on this model family reproduction farm, the interviewed persons have chosen 10 variants assuring to the farmer a profit ranging between Euro 80,223 Euro and respectively Euro 126,088 in the first 8 years of activity. As a conclusion, sericiculture could become a profitable sector by practicing integrated production management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to study the influence of two cultivars: Crisby and Karistan, with a different maturation length, upon economic efficiency in watermelon growing in an experiment running on sandy soils at SC Casa Pepenilor Verzi SRL Dabuleni, Dolj County, Romania in the year 2011.The experience was organized on 1.25 ha divided into 2 plots: V1-cultivated with Crisby F1 cultivar, an extra-early type and V2-cultivated with Karistan cultivar, a tardy type. The main economic indicators followed in the experiment have been the following ones: watermelon yield, production cost, income, profit, profit rate and gross margin. Crisby cultivar produced 30 t fruit per ha, starting from the 1st part of June when the selling price was Lei 1.2/kg and assured Lei 22,611 profit/ha. Karistan cultivar generated 70 t fruit per surface unit beginning from the 2nd part of July when the selling price was Lei 0.3/kg and produced Lei 6,051 profit per ha. As a conclusion, the use of an extra-early cultivar could assure a more efficient watermelon growing because fruit could be delivered earlier in the market covering in a better way consumer's demand and increasing producers' income and profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed grape yield and production in the climate year 2009 (Experimental) compared to the year 2007 (Control) at Bujoru Research and Development Station or Viticulture and Vinification. The experiments were carried out on 11 vine types (Fetească albă, Fetească regală, Aligoté, Şarba, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Babească neagră, Fetească neagră, Chasselas doré, Hamburg Muscat and Coarnă negră seleţionată).The Index Method, Gain Method, Share Method, Comparison Method, Point Method have shown the evolution and importance of 22 climate factors and their influence on grape yield and production. As 2009 was an excessively dry year, grape production was higher than in 2007, but less than the one registered in 2008. As the Eastern Romania is deeply affected by climate change, viticulturists should monitory climate factors in order to achieve the expected economic performance in Vine plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyse grape yield, production and quality due to climate conditions in the years 2007 and 2008 at Bujoru Vineyard. Experiments were carried out on 11 vine types both for red and white wine grapes and table grapes as well (Feteascā albã, Feteascā regalā., Aligote , Sarba, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bābeascā neagrā, FeteascA neagrā, Chasselas Dore, Hamburg Muscat and Coamā neagrã selected). The Index Method, Gain Method, Share Method, Comparison Method, Point Method have shown the evolution and importance of 22 climate factors and their influence upon grape yield, production and quality from a year to another and among the 11 vine types. The increased level of climate factors in 2008 compared to 2007 determined an increased acidity, grape weight and volume, but a decreased sugar content for almost all the vine types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The papers aimed to analyze the Romanian poultry meat market based on the statistical data regarding the period 2000-2009 in order to identify the major trends. Poultry live stock reached 83,843 thousand heads in 2009, being by 19.64 % higher than in 2000. Poultry meat has been the most dynamic sector of aviculture, registering 50 % gain compared to other meat sorts. Poultry meat contribution to total meat production has been 33.91 % assuring 20 kg meat consumption/capita/year. The development of meat production and consumption was justified by broilers performance, 2 kg live weight in 33 fattening days, high food conversion rate, high protein content, low cholesterol, acceptable price, high digestibility and flavor. Romania's poultry meat export has increased 4.7 times while import declined by 18 % in the analyzed period. As a conclusion, broilers fattening will continue to be developed in the coming years in order to cover much better the demand/offer ratio in the domestic market and the export opportunities will assure a more efficient trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]