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The paper aimed to assess the effect of the calving month on milk production and to correct the biases determined by this environmental factor in order to increase the precision in the breeding value estimation and assure a better evaluation of candidate cows as mothers of sires and bulls used in the artificial insemination to improve genetic gain in the dairy herds. A specific mathematical model, xij=m. ai. eij, where xij - the milk record of the daughter „j" in the month „i" (i=1,2,....12), m - a constant factor, ai -multiplicative effect of the month „i", eij - the residual multiplicative effect, was used to process the data regarding milk yield and fat yield by month of calving collected from 4,100 Friesian dairy cows under milk testing. In order to eliminate the biases âi, adequate multiplicative adjusting factors were calculated as 1/âi. The conclusion was that the calvings carried out in the fall-winter months recorded a milk yield by 3.5% higher in January, by 5.4% in September, by 6.3% in December and by 10.5% in November. The cows with early spring calving have been distadvantaged by 0.4% in February, by 1.8% in August up to 7.9% in May. Therefore, correction factors are imposed to be used in order to increase precision in milk production estimation and finnaly to assure an accurate breeding value for dairy cows and bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to present the situation of Romania's vegetable market in the period 2007-2011 based on the statistical data regarding the main vegetables: tomatoes, onion, garlic, cabbage, green peppers and melons. The vegetable production increased by 33.99 from 3,166.8 tons in 2007 to 4,176.3 tons in 2011.This was due to the yield gain as follows: 58.55 % for melons, 27.62 % for green peppers, 27.05 % for tomatoes, 25.99 % for dry garlic, 24.96 % for dry onion, 12.61 % for white cabbage. In 2011, the contribution of various categories of vegetables to production was: 24.55 % white cabbage, 21.81 % tomatoes, 15.45 % melons, 9.44 % onion, 6.06 % green pepper, 1.59 % garlic and 21.1 % other vegetables. The contribution of the micro regions to vegetable production in 2011 was: 19.46 % South Muntenia, 18.95 % South East Romania, 17.30 % South West Oltenia, 15.92 % North East Romania, 10.43 % West Romania, 8.47 % North West Romania, 6.54 % Central Romania, 2.93 % Bucharest Ilfov. Vegetable production per inhabitant is higher in Romania compared to the average production per capita in the EU. The average consumption increased as a postive aspect reflecting the obtained production and import. Vegetable production should increase in order to cover much better the doestic market needs and support export to the EU market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the EU-27 agricultural land, farms structure and size based on Eurostat data. In the EU, farm structure shows that farms have a small size accounting for 12 ha in average. The highest farm size is in Czech Republic (152 ha) and the smallest one in Romania and Cyprus (3 ha). The size of farms has slowly increased from a year to another while the number of farms declined. About 80 % farms are situated in Romania, Italy, Poland, Spain, Greece, Hungary and France. Three countries France, Italy and Germany produces 50.51 % gross margin of the EU-27 which accounted for Euro 278.33 Billion in 2010. A number of 199,400 farms achieved 46.6 % of the total gross margin, more exactly Euro 129,810 million. These farms utilized 25 % of the Eu-27 agricultural land. The farms with less than Euro 2,000 gross margin represent 45.44 % of the total number of farms and keep 5 % of the utilized agricultural land and produce 3.39 % of the EU-27 gross margin. The farms with a higher dimension produce the highest gross margin proving that farm size has a direct influence on profitability and economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the EU-27 population by means of the following indicators: population structure by origin, age, gender, training level, income in member states, emphasizing Romania's position among other countries. In the EU-27 there large differences regarding rural and agricultural population. The main trend is the reduction of agricultural population, but there are countries where it is increasing and states where it is declining. Despite at EU level 5 % of its 504 million inhabitants are working in agriculture, there are states with a higher percentage of agricultural workforce and also with a lower labor percentage. Rural population aging and decreasing number, migration to cities, relatively low training level, gender discrepances from a country to another, low income per annual working income mainly in the 12 countries which joined the EU in 2004 and 2007 below the EU average income are the major features of the EU-27 agricultural labor. Romania has the highest agricultural population working in small sized farms and the lowest income per farmer below Euro 2,000. The gap beween the EU and Romania could be diminished by training, high technologies, implementation of associative forms in agriculture destined to grow up productivity and competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the paper was the analysis of Romania's the agro-food export, import and trade balance by the EU country group and agro-food product group based on the statistical data in the year 2010 in order to identify the commercial relationships with a positive and respectively a negative impact of the trade balance. The EU trade partners were divided into 4 groups: Central Eastern (CE), Western (W), Northern (N) and Southern (S) EU countries and the agro-food product groups were: Live animals and preparations of animal origin, Vegetal products, Fats and oils of vegetal and animal origin, Food, beverages and tobacco. The data were processed using the share and comparison methods. In 2010, Romania registered a negative agro-food trade balance with a deficit of Euro thousand 903,148.This was due to the unefficient commerce with the CE and W EU countries, which together recorded Euro Thousand 1,400,298 deficit. The balance was positively influenced by the Southern EU trade partners whose contribution accounted for Euro thousand 513,953. Therefore, the agro-food trade has to be intensified with the Southern EU countries and to become more relaxed with the CE and W EU countries, especially regarding imports. Live animals are mainly required in the CE and W EU countries, vegetal products in the W and S EU countries, fats and oils in the CE and S EU countries, and finally, food, beverages and tobacco in the S and the CE EU countries. Agro-food imports have to be substantially diminished as long as Romania' s agriculture is able to produce for the internal market and export has to be intensified especially with the countries with a positive impact on the trade balance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper was the analysis of the agro-food foreign trade position in Romania's foreign trade in the period 2005-2010. Agro-food foreign trade registered a fast dynamics, its volume accounting for Euro Million 7,053 in 2010, being by 161 % higher than in 2005. Its share in Romania's foreign trade increased from 3.02 % in 2005 to 8.36 % in 2010. Vegetal products are the best exported goods (52.41 %), followed by food products, beverages and tobacco (28.46 %). Romania's import is mainly dominated by food products, beverages and tobacco (40.34 %) and vegetal products (29.06 %). The EU countries are the main trade partners, accounting for about 80 % both in the export and import value. In 2010, agro-food export accounted for 8.54 % and agro-food import for 9.42 % in Romania's trade with the EU. Romania's agro-food products are mainly exported in Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany and imports come especially from Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Poland and Italy. The agro-food trade has become a more and more efficient part of Romania's trade taking into consideration the export share in GDP, import coverage by export and export per inhabitant [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 aimed to analyze the dynamics of Romania's population and mainly of the rural population in the period 2005-2010. The following indicators were used: total population, rural population, the share of rural population in the total population, active population at national level, in the rural areas and the share of the rural active population in the total population, employment, unemployment, activity rate, employment rate, unemployment rate, employment rate by educational level, employment in agriculture by population's age, active persons by age group. As a conclusion, Romania's rural population accounts for 45 % of total population. A series of restraining factors such as: ageing, low training level, low capital and financial resources, lack of investments and other job alternatives affect the development of the rural areas where most of the population is dealing with agriculture. Rural space requires a multifunctional development meaning to achieve a balanced combination between agriculture, connected industries and services which could create jobs and raise the population income and living standard. This means investments both in agricultural and non-agricultural activities, a new national and local policy concerning the development of rural communities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyse world production and trade for fresh silk cocoons and raw silk using FAO Stat data for the period 2007-2010. The use of index, share and comparison methods allowed identifying the major trends in the analysed period. Silk decline was determined by the increased importance of cotton and artificial fibres in textile and clothing industry. Important changes are taking place on silk cocoons and silk market. While, the European market decreased, the Asian market has mainly developed fresh cocoons and raw silk, while the European market became more interested of clothes. Silk consumption declined because of consumer's preference for synthetic fibres, except traditional consumers from Asia. China is the main producer and exporter of fresh and dry cocoons, while raw silk is produced and exported by China, Brazil and Italy and imported by India, Japan and Italy. In Europe, Bulgaria is the top producer of fresh cocoons and raw silk and Italy is the main raw silk importer and the top producer and exporter of textile and fashion clothes. Silk will remain an important raw material for producing high quality and luxury clothes. [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 analyze the development of organic agriculture in the world, the EU and Romania, based on the statistical data for the period 2006-2010 and the index, share and comparison methods. Organic agriculture covers 34.04 Million ha at world level, of which 26.99 % in Europe and 32.08 % in Oceania. The largest areas in organic agriculture are in Australia, Argentina, the USA, Brazil, Spain, China and Italy. At world level, there are 1.6 million organic producers, over 63 % operating in Africa and Asia, especially in India, Uganda and Mexico. In 2010, organic food sales accounted for Euro 44.5 Billions of which 50 % in Europe. In the same year, the organic agriculture area increased by 20 % in the EU-27 and reached 9.01 million ha and continues to grow, representing 5.10 % of agricultural land. The larges areas in organic agriculture are in Spain, Italy, Germany and France. In the EU-27 there are 219,290 organic producers of which 40 % in Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria. In 2010, Romania's area in organic agriculture was 300,205 ha, 2 times higher than in 2006. A number of 10,253 organic operators were registered in 2010, representing 4.67 %, of the EU number. The main organic products are cereals, vegetables, wine, honey, dairy products, representing a chance for Romania's export on the EU market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze Romania's honey market in the period 1990-2009, based on the INSSE data, using the index method. In 2009, Romania had 1,057 bee families, about 45,000 beekeepers, meaning 23 bee families per apiary. The number of bee families has increased by 9.76% compared to 1990 but the number of beekeepers decreased by 56% compared to 1980. Honey production reached 19.93 tones in 2009, being by 1.8 times higher than in 1990. Ecological honey represents about 16% of production. Producer honey price increased up to Lei 8-9/kg and Lei 15-20/kg in the free market, and the export price varies between Euro 2.5 -3.5/kg. Honey consumption increased up to 0.5 kg/capita in 2009, but it is still low compared to the EU average. The EU high demand and production deficit has encouraged Romania to export 70 % of its production, the main beneficiaries being Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria and Belgium. Since 2005, Romania has imported small amounts of honey from Czech Republic, China, Germany, Hungary, Spain and Austria. Romania comes on the 19th position in the world for honey production and on the 11th one for the honey export value. As a conclusion, honey market is continuously increasing, Romania being a net exporting country of high quality honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to investigate the opinion of 30 designers on the use of silk cocoons as raw material for creating products of decorative and handicraft art. The answers have pointed out that the most designers are interested to use silk cocoons in order to process, color and design as such or in combination with other materials, using mainly the manual method which involves creativity, the setting up of unique original products, reflecting the material warmth ad beauty. The main achievable products of silk cocoons in the designers' opinion, in their order of importance, are: decorative pictures on a specific theme (80%), sewed belts (50 %), colored necklaces (46.6 %) and floral brooches (33.3 %). As a conclusion, silk cocoons, mainly the unreeling ones, could be successfully processed in handicrafts and decorative art products as an alternative for production diversification, increased value added and income in the family sericicultural farms. [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 identify the trends in the world and European goat milk production in the period 1999-2010 based on FAOStat data base, using the index method. The results have shown that in 2009, at world level there were 867.9 million goats by 18.91% more than in 1999, and the world goat milk production accounted for 15,128 thousand Metric tones, being by 19.52% higher than at the beginning of the analyzed period. India, China, Bangladesh and Pakistan keep 46.7% of the world goat livestock, and 55.60% of the world milk production is produced by India, Bangladesh, Sudan and Pakistan. In 2010, the EU had 13,026 million goats by 9.65% less than in 1999. Greece, Spain and France keep 70% of the EU goat livestock and 0.88% at world level, contributing by 10.57% to the world goat milk production. The EU contribution to the world goat milk production is 17%, being the area where the highest records are achieved per goat. Romania has a high production potential, coming on the 5th position for the goat livestock and on the 4th one for goat milk production in the EU. As a conclusion, goat milk production will continue to increase due to the high consumption demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper goal was to study consumer behaviour for poultry meat. In this purpose 100 individuals participated to a questionnaire based survey in a supermarket of Bucharest. Specific methods of marketing research in such a case assured the statistical processing of the respondents' answers. The results pointed out an increased consumption of poultry meat, a preference for fresh chicken meat which is daily bought or 2-3 times a week in a varied amount ranging between 1-1.5 kg depending on consumer's income for covering the family need. The main factors influencing consumer buying decision are the sensorial meat characteristics, meat quality, origin, price, prepacking grade. As a conclusion producers have to pay more attention to these aspects in their future strategy for producing and commercialising poultry meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyse the actual status of beekeeping in Calarasi County using a questionnaire based survey on a sample of 20 beekeepers. The average number of bee families per apiary was 72.3, which produced in average 16.71 kg honey in the year 2011. Of the 1,446 bee families belonging to the 20 interviewed beekeepers an amount of 24,165 kg honey was obtained which was marketed for Lei 8/kg average sale price to Beekeepers Association and for Lei 15/kg to other direct clients. Over 67 % of the bee families were kept in apiaries whose size was ranging between 50 and 100 bee families and 18 % of apiaries were larger than 100 bee families. About 65 % of honey was achieved by the apiaries whose size belonged to 50-100 bee families category and 16.59 % in the largest ones with over 100 bee families. The income earned by the 20 apiculturists accounted for Lei 281,230 in 2011, meaning Lei 14,061.50 per beekeeper. About 67 % of income was carried out in the apiaries with 50-100 bee families and 11.42 % in the ones larger than 100 bee families. As a conclusion, the increase of the number of bee families per apiary and production diversification is the main factors to grow honey production and beekeepers' income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the major trade flows in the E.U. textile and clothing industry in close connection with the future development of sericiculture using the data provided by EU Market Access Data Base for the period 2007-2011.The world market of textile and clothing is divided into two parts: raw material providers mainly situated in Asia, but also in South America and large processors situated in the E.U. such as Italy, France, United Kingdom and Spain, whose contribution to the EU production is 75 %. The main E.U. supplier of raw material for textile and clothing industry is China, followed by India, Bangladesh, Turkey and Brazil. About 33 % of the E.U. production of textile and garments is successfully exported as long as demand/offer ratio is unbalanced at world level. Import and export price have substantially increased. At present, the EU is the 2nd silk products exporter in the world. The new E.U. policy strategy regarding sericiculture is focused on the stimulation of silk worm rearing for producing cocoons mainly in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain, France and Romania where climate conditions are favorable, it is a long tradition in the field and rural population needs jobs. At the same time, the E.U. is focused on technology improvement and silk product design in order to create more value added and increase export and sales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze consumer behavior for meat on Bucharest market, using a sample of 100 individuals, representatives as age, sex and profession, who were interviewed within a structured questionaire based survey on their preference to buy and consume meat. The answers were processed using the semantic differential and Likert Scale. The obtained results pointed out that white meat is the top preference, because it is healthier and its price is more acceptable compared to red meat. However, men prefer red meat, no matter its price. The most prefered meat sorts in order of their importance are chicken meat, pork and beef. Consumers prefer to buy 1-2 kg fresh meat from supermarket every 2-3 days. Income/family and meat pice are the major factors limiting the amount of consumed meat and buying frequence. The term of availability and meat origin have become more and more important criteria on which buying decision is based, besides meat quality. All consumers prefer to consume Romanian meat which is tasty and has a pleasant flavor. As a conclusion, consumers expectations from meat producers are related to a large variety of meat of a higher quality. Also, presentation form in packed portionated meat parts on the shelf as wellas hygiene come on the next positions from consumers side in order to satisfy their needs better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze apiary size, honey production and beekeepers' income in Teleorman County using a questionnaire based survey on a sample of 16 apiculturists. The processing of answers pointed out that in 2011, the interviewed beekeepers kept 1,248 bee families which produced 32,206 kg honey, meaning 25.80 kg/bee family. Honey was sold at Lei 9.67 lei/kg in average, total income accounted for Lei 338,083, that is Lei 21,130 in average per beekeeper and Lei 270.89 per bee family. Apiary size varied between 150 bee families (1 apiary = 6,25 %), 50-100 bee families (81.25 %) and the remaining 12.50 % less than 40 bee families. About 86.23 % of honey production was achieved in the apiaries whose size belonged to the category 50-100 bee families and 8.19 % in the apiary with more than 100 bee families. About 73.20 % of total profit was carried out in the apiaries keeping 50-100 bee families and 18.74 % in the apiary with over 100 bee families.As a conclusion, beekeeping is a profitable sector of agriculture in Teleorman County and for this reason beekeepers are stimulated to increase the number of be families per apiary, honey quality and finally their income and living standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the dynamics of the EU-27 tourism in the period 2006-2011, based on Euro Stat data, processed by usual quantitative methods. The EU-27 is a top tourism destination in Europe and at global level. In 2011, it recorded 1,054 million holiday trips made by its citizen, of which 76 % domestic trips, with an average trip length of 5.4 nights and tourism intensity 4.8 night per resident. The EU citizens spent abroad 2,263,239 thousand nights. The top 10 EU tourism destinations are France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Greece and Austria. The EU-27 earned Euro 252,032 Millions from tourism and spent Euro 252,032 million for tourism. As a conclusion, the EU-27 will remain a top destination in the world and will have a significant contribution to the development of international tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the economic efficiency in two farms dealing with Carabasa Breed raising as follows: Farm1-86 sheep flock, of which 62 ewes, producing in average 146 liters milk/head/year and Farm 2-297 sheep stock, of which 255 ewes, with 140 liters/head milk yield. Economic efficiency was comparatively analyzed based on: gross product, production cost, variable and fixed cost, gross margin, profit, profit rate, farm economic size. The both farms registered profit, but Farm 2, the largest one taking into account the number of sheep, recorded a higher economic efficiency: 1.5 lambs/ewe, 22.50 kg cottage cheese/ewe, 1.17 Easter lambs/ewe, Euro 148 feeding cost/sheep, Euro 0.30/liter milk cost, Euro 233 income/ewe, Euro 61 profit/ewe, Euro 68 gross margin/ewe and a 35.55% profit rate. With Euro 17,274 profit at farm level, Farm 2 was considered a commercial middle sized farm, ESU 7.19 and Farm 1 a very small farm, ESU 1.04. As a conclusion, breeders raising Carabasa Breed, an excellent biological resource for milk and meat for Romanian sheep farming, have to increase farm size in order to go up the profitability and competitiveness of their farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the economic efficiency in three farms dealing with pig fattening in the Southern Plain of Romania. Farm size was different from a farm to another as follows: Farm1-100 fatty pigs and 10.5 tons meat as live weight, Farm 2- 2,647 fatty pigs and 264.7 tons live weight and Farm 3- 9,460 fattened pigs and 1,040.6 tons meat production. Economic efficiency was comparatively analyzed based on the following indicators: pig stock, meat production, fattening gain, food consumption, income, cost, profit and profit rate at farm level and per series of fattened pigs as well as on unitary cost, income, profit per kg live weight and delivered pig and gross margin. Finally the economic size of each farm was estimated in ESU according to the EU classification. As a conclusion, all the three farms carried out profit but the farm F3, which was the largest farm, registered the highest efficiency: Lei 107.8 profit/ pig, Lei 238 gross margin/pig, Lei thousand 1,895.582 gross margin/farm/year. Therefore, the higher the income and profit per fatty pig, the higher economic efficiency. As a conclusion, farmers have to pay attention to farm size in order to increase economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to establish gross margin for three levels of milk yield/cow/year under the condition of Romania: V1-4,000 kg, V2-5,000 kg and V3-6,000 kg. The technical data were collected from three dairy farms and the economic calculations were based on the EU methodology taking into consideration prices of the year 2011. The following indicators were determined for each level of milk yield: gross product, variable cost and gross margin. The estimates for gross margin/cow were Lei 1,927 for the variant with the smallest milk yield, Lei 2,561 for the variant with the middle yield and Lei 3,454 for the variant with the highest milk yield. As a conclusion, gross product and variable cost were directly influenced by milk yield and the higher the milk yield, the higher gross margin and economic efficiency per cow. In order to increase farm financial performance expressed by gross margin and profit, farmers have to rise milk yield per cow using high productive animals, sufficient and high quality forages and keep production cost, mainly variable cost under control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to present the evolution of poultry meat market in the E.U.-27 in the period 2007-2009 by means of the specific indicators: poultry livestock, poultry meat production and trade both at member state level and at community level. The analysis has pointed out that despite that poultry stock was reduced by 6.10 %, poultry meat production increased by 10.70%, import increased by 9.18% and export by 11.31%. This was due to the fact that many people are oriented to poultry meat which is a white and lean meat, rich in high value protein, it has less cholesterol and a high digestibility, a nice flavor when it is prepared. In 2009, Romania was situated on the 9th position among the EU countries concerning poultry livestock and meat production, on the 11th position concerning poultry meat export and on the 5th position regarding import. As a conclusion, the EU is an important producer, exporter and importer of poultry meat and in the coming years it is expected a continuous increase of production. [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 aimed to analyze the evolution of watermelon market and melon market in Romania in order to identify the main trends in the period 1990-2009 based on statistical data and using the specific indicators such as: cultivated area, yield and production, consumption, trade and price. Despite that the cultivated area remained relatively constant at about 33.5 thou ha, watermelon and melon yield increased by 73.36 % from 11.2 tons/ha in 1990 to 19.5 tones /ha in 2009. As a result, total production reached 652.8 thou tons in 2009, being by 71.06 % higher than in 1990. The main trends identified in watermelon and melon production and market in Romania are the following ones: a constant cultivated and producing area, mainly in the East, West and South parts Romania, a continuous increase of yield and production, a diversified offer consisting both of local and imported watermelons and melons, appearance of extra and early fruit of Romanian origin even from June contributing to a better cover of consumer demand along the summer season, an increased competition among suppliers and also a higher income and profit for Romanian producers. Romania's watermelon and melon market is continuously developing grace to an increased demand for a healthy diet including more vegetables and fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The papers aimed to study the dynamics of the Romanian egg market in the period 1990-2009 in order to identify its specific trends. In the year 2009, egg production counted for 6,211 million pieces of which 95.73 % hen eggs, by 25 % less than in 1990 because of the decline in poultry stock and average egg production. As a result, in 2009, only 289 eggs per capita were achieved compared to 347 pieces in 1990. In consequence, the demand/offer ratio has been an unbalanced one and only 50 % of domestic production was able to cover market needs. The EU requirements concerning poultry welfare (cage modernization etc), new growing methods friendly with the environment and food safety have led to a decline of the number of laying hens, to the closing of some poultry farms and to an increase of production cost because of the new investments. In addition, cereal increased purchasing price has deeply influenced farm input cost and egg price. In the future, egg producers have to pay more attention to production increase and diversification, egg quality, packaging, distribution and also to export possibilities in order to encourage the increase of profitability along the egg chain from producer to consumer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to optimize beekeepers income based on marketed honey production. In this purpose, a sample of 37 apiaries was studied in the year 2011. The average honey production was 1.76 tons per apiary and beekeepers income coming from commercialized honey counted for Lei thousand 13.78. The correlation coefficient between the two indicators was a positive and strong one (rxy=0.885). The production function y=0.459+7.568 x has been calculated based on linear regression and least square method. It has been used in order to estimate beekeepers income for the period 2012-2016. As conclusion, an increase of honey production by 10% annually will assure 2.82 production tons in 2016 as well as Lei thousand 21.87 income per apiary in the year 2016, meaning by 58% more than in 2011. In this purpose, beekeepers have to raise more bee families, to assure them a corresponding feeding and maintenance, to increase honey production and sell it at a higher price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the economic efficiency of Romania's honey foreign trade during the period 2000-2007 .The following specific indicators were used: trade balance, export/production ratio, share of honey export and import in agri-food export and import and in total export and import, honey export/import ratio, import/consumption ratio, export and import/inhabitant, honey food balance, marketed honey by beneficiaries and honey suppliers , average export and import price, export and import geographical orientation index and honey gross exchange index. As a conclusion, honey foreign foreign trade is a good deal for Romania which is a net exporter contributing in a positive way to the payment balance. Honey foreign trade is of high efficiency, but Romania should intensify its exports in the European market in order to diminish its stocks , to look for a higher export price and continue to reduce honey import. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents Romania's position in the European and World Honey production and trade during the period 2000-2007 based on the data provided by FAO Stat. In Europe, Romania comes on the 7th position by honey production , on the 13th position by honey yield, on the 4th position as honey exporter, on the 20th position as importer, on the 5th position by honey export value and on the 21st position by honey import value. The number of beehives, honey production and yield, honey quantitative export and import, the value of honey export and import as well as average honey export and import price have been used as main indicators for establishing Romania's position at European and world level. As a conclusion, Romania is among the main honey producers and exporters in Europe but it should still pay attention to honey yield and quality and to promote more intensively its high quality honey on various foreign market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to predict gross margin based on milk yield. In this purpose, a sample of 33 dairy farms from Iasi, Buzau and Brasov Counties was used. The data were collected in the year 2008 and refer to average milk yield/cow/year, income/cow/year, and variable costs/cow/year. At sample level, the average milk yield was 4,498 kg/cow /year and gross margin Euro 1,246 /cow/year. A strong correlation was noticed between these two indicators, r = 0.783, and the linear regression function, y=252.117 + 0.221 x has been used in order to forecast gross margin for a milk yield scale ranging between 4498 kg - 7000 milk kg/cow/year. As a conclusion, for the increase of from 4,498 kg to 7,000, a farmer could get Euro 1799.117 gross margin, by Euro 553 higher compared to Euro 1246 registered for just 4498 kg/cow /year average milk production registered at present in the studied dairy farms. [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 paper aimed to present a comparison concerning feasibility of the three variants of production integration: in a family reproduction sericicultural farm based on Present Value Method. The compared variants are : VI -- CDVM -- Control variant: Mulberry tree culture and Silk worm rearing, without integration with silk cocoon processing ;V2 -- CDVMP5 -- Experimental integrated variant between Mulberry tree culture, Silk worm rearing and Silk cocoon processing (unreeling cocoons) in handicrafts (knitted belts--P5); V3 -- CDVMP10 -- Experimental integrated variant between Mulberry tree culture, Silk worm rearing and Silk cocoon processing (unreeling cocoons) in handicrafts (Decorative picture--Pl0). Based on Net Present Value, the variant V2 -- CDVMP5 is the most profitable one, a reason to recommend it to sericiculturists if they intend to get more income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to identify the perception of the graduates of the Engineering and Management of Agricultural Businesses specialization within the Faculty of Management and Rural Development regarding the attractiveness of the agribusiness field. In the framework of the research, the answers were obtained from the graduates of the 2021 promotion, belonging to the form of distance education, based on a questionnaire. From the total of applied questionnaires, a response rate of 87% resulted. The number of valid answers was 128. Information collected based on the questionnaire was statistically processed, resulting in information regarding the perception of the importance of the agribusiness sector, regarding the desire to work in this field or regarding the motivation of choosing to pursue higher studies in the analyzed field. The research methodology also assumed the bibliographic study regarding the place occupied by agriculture and agribusiness in the Romanian economy, regarding the labor force in this field and the development possibilities. The obtained results highlighted the fact that agribusiness is an attractive field, in which the majority of graduates want to work as employees or as business owners (68%). The reasons for choosing to carry out the activity in the field of agribusiness are diverse, from the awareness of the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security, to the attractiveness of the income obtained or the ownership of agricultural land and the development of a business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apiaries structure has been analysed in the year 2011 using a sample of 37 bee farms from Ialomitza County. The following criteria have been used in order to characterize apiaries structure: beekeepers age, distribution of apiaries in the territory, number of bee families, honey yield, honey production and income from marketed honey. About 51 % apiaries have between 50 and 100 bee families, the average size at sample level being 65.24 bee families. The average honey production was 1.760.54 kg/apiary. About 40.54 % apiaries obtained 11-20 kg/bee family and only 5.4% that means 50-60 kg/bee family. The total honey production at sample level was 65,140 kg and the beekeepers income totalised Lei 477,020.50. The average income per apiary counted for Lei 12,892.44, meaning Lei 197.60/bee family coming only from marketed honey. As a conclusion, this study showed that apiary size is still small in Ialomitza County and the actual apiaries structure does not allow a high production performance. Beekeepers have to increase the number of bee families in order to produce more honey and increase farm profitability and competitiveness. [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]

Starting with the summer of 2020, the farms inputs prices, especially for diesel, seeds, fertilizers and pesticides as well as of grains (cereals and oilseeds) started fluctuating excessively. This phenomenon caused great uncertainty in farmers economic activity, especially for the crop farms that are bulk selling all their products to traders. The uncertainty was primarily caused by the overlap of several factors, some of which were more predictable and some of which took everyone by surprise and caused panic and volatility on the stock markets. The unfortunate events sequence began in early 2020, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that caused disruptions in supply chains, import-export bans and lockdowns that reduced the consumption of agri-food products in the HORECA industry. For Romanian farmers, the disturbance created by the pandemic also overlapped with the severe drought that affected production levels in 2020 and 2022, as well as with the hostilities in the region which started at the end of February 2022, and led to the agricultural inputs excessive price increase and high volatility on the commodities exchange. In this sequence of unfortunate events, the farmers' decision regarding the stored grains volumes, inputs purchasing timing and grains selling timing, made a major difference for their business' financial stability and profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents specialists' opinion upon the processing of unreeling silk cocoons into handicrafts. A sample of fine art designers, 100 % women, of which 95 % of 20 to 30 years old, belonging to 12 counties, of which 75 % from the Southern Romania was used for opinion testing. The answers to specific questionnaires were statistically processed according to marketing research methods. All the interviewed subjects like the decorative products manually achieved, because these are unique and original products (55%), involve creativeness and preciosity (15%), reflect material color and texture (10%). All the questioned individuals (100 %) prefer natural raw materials for producing handicrafts. About 70 % of the individuals know that silk cocoons can be successfully used for producing handicrafts. At the question: "What kind of handicrafts could be produced from silk cocoons?", the interviewed persons answered 40% cloth accessories (necklaces, bracelets, belts), 20 % decorative pictures 10 % art products, 5% textile "jewels", 5% original tapestries, 5% clothes, 10% textile materials. The questioned individuals' preferences for processing silk cocoons into handicrafts were the following one: 80% to create decorative pictures; other 8% to produce textile materials; 50% to design knitted belts; 70% to design sewed belts; 45% to create unique necklaces; 35% to design original flower brooches. A proportion of 40-45% of designers is keen to learn how to design knitted and sewed belts, necklaces, flower brooches and pictures. The purchase preferences of the questioned individuals are mainly represented by decorative pictures named "Portait" and "Story" and cloth accessories. As a conclusion, unreeling silk cocoons could be successfully used as natural raw material for producing various handicrafts in the sericicultural farms, contributing to production diversification, the increase of productivity and profitability, because handicrafts involve creativeness and imagination, produce a higher value added and are better marketed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents specialists' opinion upon the implementation of production integration management between mulberry tree culture, silk worm rearing and silk cocoon processing in order to increase efficiency and profitability in the family reproduction sericicultural farms. A sample of zootechnicians (IP = interviewed persons), of which 96 % were between 20-30 years old, 56.66 % women and belonging to 20 counties were used for opinion testing. The answers to specific questionnaires were statistically processed according to marketing research methods. A proportion 92 % of the IP appreciate that integration between mulberry tree culture, silk worm rearing and silk cocoon processing could contribute to the increase of productivity, production diversification and profitability. 88.33 % of the IP consider that sericiculture could contribute to the increase of rural population's income. A proportion of 53.33 % of IP consider that integrated sericiculture has to be developed in commercial farms. 95 % of IP consider that every sericicultural family farm must be endowed with at least 0.5 ha for mulberry tree culture, 150 s.m. rearing spaces, sericicultural specific tools, water source and make use of family labor force for developing integrated activities. Analyzing the 36 variants of integrated farm management, 45 % of the IP appreciated 14 variants as the most profitable ones, based on the cumulated gross profit during the first 8 years of activity whose value varies between Euro 136,397 and 84,019. A proportion of 30.02 % IP consider that the highest cumulated profit, Euro 136,397 is assured by CDV3-VMV1 P5 variant, meaning: a) mulberry culture: 0.5 ha mulberry plantation + 0.2 ha seed plantation + 0.1 ha layer maker field + 0.2 ha sowing Field 1; b) silk worm rearing for producing 400 kg cocoons for achieving 1,000 egg boxes, 10 kg silk filament, 25 kg pupae; c) processing of 50 kg unreeling silk cocoons into handicrafis (sewed belts). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scourge of food waste (FW) is a significant global challenge, impacting climate change, food security, and the sustainability of agrifood systems. The objective of this paper is to identify, analyze, and understand the factors influencing household consumer behaviors in Romania regarding the reduction of FW. Three primary research objectives were established to assess food consumption behaviors within households, to explore attitudes toward FW, and to understand the motivations for reducing FW along with the measures implemented by households to address this issue., Methodology: Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire, designed to investigate consumer behaviors related to the avoidance of FW. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and a linear regression model was developed to evaluate a composite index measuring Romanian consumers' behavior towards FW reduction., Results: The resulting model identifies key predictors that drive concrete actions to minimize FW, including the desire to mitigate the environmental impact, household conversations about FW and strategies to reduce it, established food routines, the influence of one's social circle, individual ecological and social responsibility, and the effectiveness of awareness campaigns addressing the consequences of FW. Practical and social implications: The findings highlight the necessity of education and awareness initiatives to shift attitudes and behaviors concerning FW. Future research is warranted to deepen understanding and enhance interventions., Originality: This study represents a pioneering and innovative inquiry into FW behavior in Romania, filling a gap in the existing literature and contributing to the broader discourse on this pressing environmental issue.