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The use of pesticides represents a step forward for agriculture, in terms of the fight against the main diseases and pests, in order to ensure some productions destined for the market and implicitly for food safety. The world consumption of pesticides was captured in the main European Union countries highlighted in statistics such as NIS, Faostat, Eurostat and ITC, the position occupied by Romania being highlighted, in terms of quantities used and the surfaces on which they were applied (2010-2019). The comparative analysis of Romania's situation with the other member countries in terms of pesticides is presented in this paperwork in terms of the quantities of pesticides used, the areas with registered pesticides, imports and exports. At Romania's level, the analysis focused on the evolution of the main indicators that characterize pesticides, both at national level and at the level of the development regions, concluding that, at this level, pesticides are applied differently, depending on a series of exogenous and endogenous factors. But, the European agriculture and implicitly the one in Romania, must respond to a new challenge, that of reducing the quantities of pesticides used, according to the requests of the Farm to Fork strategy, component of the Green Deal, which requires that 25% of the agricultural area to be destined for organic agriculture and a 50% reduction in the use of pesticides, an aspect that we will detail in this scientific communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to identify: short supply chains (SFSC) in Sibiu County, Romania, in the context of the need of transformation for the current food chains; young people's attitude towards food and a healthy lifestyle and their behavior in the current context of the Covid pandemic 19. Data were collected from public authorities, local organizations and websites of manufacturers and processors. A questionnaire was developed and was applied online between October 30 and November 20, 2021, among students (bachelor's and master's) from faculties with an agri-food profile. It was completed by a number of 222 people, and the data were synthesized, tabulated and analyzed. In Sibiu County, 17 types of short food supply chains (SFSC) have been identified, which can be examples of good practice in the necessary transformation of the current food system towards sustainability. Young consumers have a positive attitude towards food and a healthy lifestyle, without having significant behavioral changes in the current context of the pandemic. The results of this study may have implications for establishing marketing strategies for young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is constantly changing, both in terms of consumption habits, consumption patterns or consumer attitudes. Therefore, producers must pay much more attention not only to the products obtained, but also to the way in which these products are promoted and reach these consumers. That is why the marketing techniques had to keep up with these changes and which led to the separation of new promotion channels and new ways of promotion, all with the aim of increasing sales. In this paper we aim to discuss sensory marketing that starts from the data provided through sensory analysis tests that aim to either identify sensitive points that appear in technological schemes or extend the life cycle of products, in the end, they aim at both consumer satisfaction and ensuring profit for producers. The research methodology involved reviewing the literature, collecting information through questionnaires to which the valid answers belonged to a number of 127 respondents. The data processing was done using descriptive statistical methods and the Likert scale, and the interpretation of the data allowed us to draw conclusions about how the relationship between sensory analysis and sensory marketing could be used so that the results are used as efficiently as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of tourist arrivals and overnight stays in Romania during the COVID-19 pandemic versus 2019 and expectations in 2022. The methodology includes dynamics and structural indices and regression equations. Of the highest performance achieved in 2019, tourist demand declined to 48% in 2020 and 65% arrivals in 2021, and to 64% and 67% overnight stays. Hotels accounted for 64-67% in total arrivals and 45-64% in stays. The Romanians' share during the pandemic was 92.9% in 2020 and 85.2% in 2021. In hotels, their weight 69%. The polynomial equations showed a parabolic trend of arrivals and stays by month. Thus, 2021 was a better year than 2020 and in 2022 it is expected that arrivals to represent 85% of the 2019 level. In 2022, 941 new 5 stars hotels will be built to assure more comfort and accommodation capacity. Hotel managers have to use creative and efficient methods to attract more tourists. Offer diversification, customized packages, bonuses, price flexibility, high quality services, an intensified virtual promotion (web-site, social media) could attract more visitors and improve hotels performance. [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 areas in Romania from a territorial, demographic, economic, social and environment point of view in the year 2020 compared to 2011 in order to point out in what measure the gaps between rural and urban areas and EU rural areas have been reduced. The data from National Institute of Statistics and Eurostat were used in this comparison where fixed indices, structural indices, regression equations, determination coefficient helped to create an image on the changes. Rural areas keeps 89.6% of Romania's territory and 46.4% of its population, while at the EU level, the rural population accounts for only 29.1%. Rural population is aging, as 46% of people is aged of 50 and over. Depopulation caused by the negative natural movement and migration led to the decline in rural population. Rural poverty and social exclusion is higher, the EU average rate being 26%, while in Bulgaria, Malta and Romania is higher than 50%. Infrastructure regarding rural roads, water supply, sewerage and waste collection continue to be a big problem. Education level is lower, in 2020, only 17% graduates were from the rural areas, while in the EU 22% of the people aged 25-64 and 28.4% of the ones aged 30-34 have tertiary education. Rural digitalization is relatively weak as only 49% rural residents have digital skills compared to 62% in the cities. Of Romania's occupied population, 20% is in the rural areas and women accounts for 50%. About 83% of occupied population in agriculture are self employed. Salaried men in agriculture represent 3.5%, while women 1.1%, reflecting gender discrimination in total salaried population. Labor productivity in agriculture is small, just 20% of the national level. Per 1,000 AWU, labor productivity in Romania is the smallest in the EU. The rural average monthly income represents 64% of the income level in the urban areas and its growth rate is smaller. Agriculturists have the smallest income. Climate change diminished agricultural output and gross value added in Romania, and also the contribution to the EU. GDP/capita in rural Romania accounts for Euro 13,000, representing 65% of the EU average reflecting the gap in economic development and living standard. National Strategic Plan 2021-2027, whose implementation will involve the local authorities, is expected to transform rural areas in a resilient and diversified eco-system supplying agro-food products for ensuring food safety, in a consolidated economic and social sector using new knowledge, innovation and digitalization. [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 analyzed the evolution of the surfaces where chemical fertilizers were used, total consumption of fertilizers and the average consumption per surface unit in Romania and also by micro-region of development in order to establish the trends in the use of the fertilizers, and its concentration degree in terms of Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, (HHI), Gini-Struck Index (GSI) and Coefficient of Concentration (CC). The empirical data were collected from National Institute of Statistics for the period 2007-2020. Romania's mineral fertilizer consumption accounts for 5% of the EU total consumption, for which the country is ranked the 7th after France, Germany, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom and Italy. Compared to the EU mean of 77.2 kg Nitrogen fertilizer consumed per ha UAA in the year 2018, Romania applied less than 60 kg, a level which is far away from over 100 kg used by Belgium, Netherlands, Czechia and Denmark. In 2020, the average consumption of mineral fertilizer in Romania reached 98.16 kg/ha, which is still lower than in the Western EU countries. In the year 2020, the average consumption in Romania was exceeded, in the descending order, only by the West, Bucharest-Ilfov, North West and South West Oltenia regions. If in 2007, it was observed an uniform consumption of fertilizers among the eight micro-regions of Romania, in 2020, a slight moderate concentration was noticed in terms of HHI, GSI and CC. The regions with the highest share in mineral fertilizer consumption in Romania, in the decreasing order, are: West, South Muntenia, South West Oltenia, North East, South East and North West regions. The EU policy regarding the sustainable development of agriculture reducing the use of chemical fertilizers for protecting environment, biodiversity and ensuring food safety is welcome, but it has to be adapted to the actual average consumption and also taking into account the local needs of each country regarding the growth of productivity, farmers' income and profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the use of pesticides in Romania in the period 2007-2020, based on the official statistical data by type of pesticide, at the national and territorial level, and using fixed and structural indices, concentration indices and time and spatial comparisons. In the year 2020, pesticides were applied on larger surfaces than in 2007 and they accounted for 3.88 million ha for herbicides, 2.39 million ha for fungicides, and 2.34 million ha for insecticides. But, the total consumption decreased by 26% for insecticides and by 23% for herbicides, but it increased by 8.2% in case of fungicides. The national mean consumption of pesticides per ha declined and in 2020 accounted for 0.27 kg a.s. insecticide, 0.75 kg herbicide and 0.76 kg fungicide. Romania comes on the last position in the EU for the smallest average consumption 0.8 kg a.s. pesticide per ha and also for the risk indicator 1 equal to 48. The largest areas where pesticides are applied in the territory are in South Muntenia, West, South East and South West Oltenia micro-regions. Total consumption differs from a region to another as follows: insecticides are much more consumed in South West Oltenia, South Muntenia, North East, South East and West, fungicides are especially applied in South East, North East, Center and West, and herbicides are predominantly utilized in North East, South East, North West, South West Oltenia, and West. The average consumption per ha, over the national mean, is higher in the following regions: insecticides in North West, South West Oltenia, Center and North West, fungicides in the Center, Bucharest-Ilfov, South East and North East and herbicides in North East, North West and Center regions. The values of the concentration indices Herfindahl-Hirschman, Gini-Struck and Concentration coefficient proved that in 2020, Romania was characterized by a relative moderate concentration of the use of pesticides. As a conclusion, pesticides have to be used taking into consideration the local conditions at the regional level and at farm level. Farmers have to evaluate the problems and make the best decision regarding what type of pesticide to use, on what surface, which is the suitable dose per ha, how many treatments are required etc. The EU regulations regarding pesticides imposes a strict control and use of the approved pesticides for compiling with the European the Green Deal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed tourist arrivals in tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses of Romania in the year 2020 compared to 2019 in order to evaluate in what measure this tourism indicator was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics allow to establish the dispersion of tourist arrivals in the territory of the country by the eight microregions of development and also to quantify the levels of the specific concentration indices: Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, Gini-Struck Index and Coefficient of Concentration. After the year 2019, which reached the top arrivals, overnight stays and receipts in Romania's tourism, the year 2020 brought the Covid-19 pandemic which has disturbed tourism performance. However, in Romania the effects on tourism industry were lower than in other countries. In the periods of relaxation measures, tourists chose safe destinations for combining both the visits to objectives of high interest with tourist services of accommodation and meals at a convenient tariff. From this point of view, tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses were among the best alternatives, and they recorded a higher growth rate of tourist arrivals than at the national level in tourism industry. In 2019, tourist arrivals were higher in the tourist pensions located in the Center, North West, North East and West parts of the country, and in agri-tourist pensions situated in Center, North East, and North West. In 2020, the guesthouses situated in Centre, North West and North East regions registered the highest tourist arrivals. A moderate concentration of the arrivals was confirmed by the values of Herfindahl-Hirschman index which varied between 0.15 and 0.25, by the values of Gini-Struck index which were higher than 0.3 in the year 2019, but a little lower than 0.3 in 2020, and the values of Concentration coefficient which were higher than 0.33. Due to the reduced arrivals in 2020, all the concentration indices had lower values than in the year 2019. As final conclusion, in Romania, it is a moderate concentration of tourist arrivals, and even thou in 2020 there were problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses were an alternative for accommodation and meals, harmoniously combining the need of safety with the desire to visit the tourist attractions of high interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the number of animal holdings, their structure by species and size class and also the average farm size based on the data provided by Eurostat and National Institute of Statistics. Fixed and structural indices as well as comparisons were the main statistical tools to assess the results. Romania has a high number of animal farms being on the top position in the EU, but the smallest farm size. The decline of bovine, swine and poultry livestock has relatively contributed to the growth of farm size and production efficiency. About 72.7% of agricultural holdings have land and animals and 23.3% rear only animals. Individual holdings are dominant and keep 86.9% bovine farms, 53% pig farms, 93.3% sheep farms, 95.1% goats farms and 67.4% poultry farms. Commercial holdings represent 44.4% of pig farms and 31.7% of poultry farms de very small percentages in case of the other species. At the national level, the average farm size of animal farms is: 3.4 bovines, 2.4 dairy cows, 3.2 pigs, 43.7 sheep, 10.6 goats and 31.6 poultry. A smaller average farm size is in the individual holdings: 2.9 bovines, 2.2 dairy cows, 1.7 pigs, 41.3 sheep, 10.1 goats and 18.7 poultry. Commercial companies have in average a higher average size: 211 bovines, 97.8 dairy cows, 7,878 pigs, 942.6 sheep, 181.7 goats and 96,009.2 poultry. The gap between individual and commercial holdings is difficult to be reduced, as long as farm concentration is a slow process. The decline in livestock, farmers aging and the new modern farms established with EU financial support are expecting to contribute to the improvement of farm structures in animal sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose in carrying out this paper is to convey the way in which tourism is influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors in relation to climatic elements. Behind this paper is a careful documentation on each element presented, concrete information and close to the truth in order to create a precise picture of the relationship between climate and tourism in Sinaia. Climatic data provided by National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and also the statistical data provided by National Institute of Statistics were used. Following the processing of statistical data, it was found that the favorable climatic factors, characteristics for each season and the specific tourist infrastructure are elements that ensure tourist flows throughout the year. The qualitative aspects in this research were studied based on current scientific literature, official documents and observation method, and the quantitative research was carried out using statistical analysis of the processed data, graphic and cartographic method, the method of observation and interpretation. The results were presented in tables, graphs and then interpreted and analyzed. Data used in this study are part of the textbook on the desk. Being one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Romania, recognized internationally by the satisfaction of tourists who arrive in these lands, this paper aims to highlight the favorable climate conditions in relation to tourism in Sinaia considered the "pearl" of the mountain resorts in the Prahova Valley. This paper presents the capitalization of tourism potential, which highlights the number of tourists arriving in the two resorts, in the period 2009-2019. Also, the private accommodation infrastructure and the number of main accommodation units, hotels and pensions are presented in detail, the typology of hotels according to the degree of comfort and the presentation of tourism in the hot and cold period of the year. Finally, we find the conclusions that highlight the main ideas that emerged from the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to study the purchase habits and behavior of the young generation regarding consumption of organic products. For this purpose, literature in the field was studied regarding the EU organic production and consumption. In order to determine the young Romanian consumers' perception concerning the organic products, a field survey based on a questionnaire was run during March -June 2021 on a sample consisting of 191 students from Sibiu and Brăila. Organic agriculture is a dynamic system in Romania, registering in the last 10 years an ascending trend, from 182,706 ha in 2010 to 468,887.05 ha in 2020. The organic products are consumed by the 90.6 % of the young people investigated (173 persons). They purchased organic products mainly form local markets (81.15%), super (80 %) or hypemarket (70.1%). Also, an amount of 66 % respondents use to buy organic products from specialised stories. The young generation believes that the most effective way to promote the consumption of organic products are: events organised in hyper or supermarket, specialised fairs for organic products, events like "open doors" at ecological operators. The students who were part of the target group of this study are in the category of well-informed consumers. They know how to recognize organic products by the existing marks on the packaging (69.6%). Young people say the main qualities of organic products are: healthy (93.2%), tasty (71.2%), contain fewer chemicals (61.8%), improve quality of life (51.3%), do not contain synthetic additives (48.7%). At the same time, organic products protect the environment (45%), support family farming (40.3%) and the local economy (40.3 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studied the dynamics of the economic value of pollination in Romania's orchards taking into account the main trees species producing fruits: plum, apple, cherry, apricot, pear and peach fruit trees in the period 2011- 2020. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics were used to quantify fruit production and value based on the average annual purchase price, and the economic value of fruit production produced by pollinators, taking into consideration de dependence degree by fruit tree species. After a period of decline, fruit tree growing has recovered especially during the last years making investments in new plantations of apple, plum, cherry, peach trees etc. In 2020, Romania had 138,000 ha of orchards, over 74 million fruit trees, a fruit production of 1.6 million tons of which 93.33% came from the six main fruit tree species: plum (48.4%), apple (34.4%), cherry(4.6%), pear (3.09%), apricot (1.74%) and peach trees (1%).The total value of fruit production from the six species accounted for Euro 1,303.69 Million at purchase price, being by 42.2% higher than in 2011. The results proved that the pollination economic value contributed by Euro 1,032 Million, that is by about 80% to fruit production value in 2020, which reflects how important is insect pollination in fruit trees growing. In 2020, the economic value of pollination per fruit tree accounted for: Euro 12.2 for plum tree, Euro 15.7 per apple tree, Euro 13.2 per pear tree, Euro 12.4 per peach tree, Euro 26.6 per cherry tree and Euro 14.5 per apricot tree. Therefore, the entomophilous fauna has to be preserved not only for biodiversity conservation but mainly for helping the sustainable development of fruit tree growing to produce more and of higher quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed labor productivity in Romania's agriculture in the period 2011-2020 and established the forecast for 2021-2025 horizon using the Eurostat data. The processing procedures included fixed basis index, average growth rate, average annual growth, regression models, determination coefficient, descriptive statistics (mean standard deviation and variation coefficient), comparison methods and forecast modeling. The results proved that agriculture productivity is increasing with a lower growth rate, being deeply influenced on output value, gross value added and labour input. Per 1,000 AWU, agricultural output value decreased by 6.77%, gross value added increased by 12.47% and factor income raised by 20.65%. However, for its level of output value and GVA, Romania comes on the last position and for factor income level it comes on the 15th position in the EU. For agriculture development, labour productivity must be increased paying attention to the key determinants: farm structure and size, labour input, technical endowment, and investment. [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]

In this paper we set out to analyze the need to monitor the "water footprint", starting from the fact that water is an indispensable resource for the development of life, and its lack is one of the biggest problems facing the world today, one of the biggest concerns and, at the same time, one of the biggest challenges. Water scarcity is a risk both for the economy and for communities and ecosystems, being influenced by climate change, but also by the irresponsible behaviour of people. Finding solutions to protect this resource is a concern of the modern world in trying to protect sustainable development. The research methodology involved the analysis of the literature, data collection and processing, formulating opinions and conclusions on how to apply smart development principles to find viable solutions to reduce the "water footprint". [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 aimed to analyze the features of work and work force in the EU agriculture and identify the changes regarding the number of working persons, number of farmers, type of work, utilized agricultural land, standard output, and age, gender, education level structure, based on the data provided by Eurostat. The authors made a comprehensive approach of the main aspects concerning labor force as a reflection of the EU policy measures. The main indicators were described and classified according to the type of work: family work and non family work, pointing out that the EU agriculture is running mainly in family farms of a small size, in which the activity is done both by the farmer and his family members. Family farms represent 95.2% of the total number of farms. They work 62.2% of the total utilized agricultural land and contribute by 59.5% to agricultural output. The higher the average farm size, the higher the average regular work force and the higher average standard output per farm and year. The farmers' ageing and workers' migration led to the decline of labor force in agriculture but to the growth of farms size and productivity. Training level of the most of working persons in agriculture is still low. The new technologies, the challenges created by climate change, the need of environment protection and biodiversity and landscapes preservation in the rural areas claims as farmers to become the main "actors" of the rural communities. Farmers have to be highly trained with entrepreneurial and technological knowledge and skills to be able to continue the sustainable development of agriculture in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed honey production in the EU-28 in the period 2008-2019 using the data provided by FAOstat. Regression equations and average annual growth rate have pointed out a general increasing trend in honey production both at the EU level and in almost all member states. In 2019, the EU produced 280 thousand tonnes honey, of which 76.44% was carried out by the largest producing countries: Spain, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Poland, France, Italy, Bulgaria with over 10, 000 tonnes per year. Other countries like Portugal, United Kingdom, Czechia, Croatia, Austria had a moderate production ranging between 5 and 10 tonnes per year, and their share accounted for 12.07%. The remaining of 11.49% was assured by the other 12 countries. The average growth rate of honey production was 3.07 at the EU-28 level, but the highest growth of over 6% was registered in the Baltic countries, Croatia and Italy, and a moderate growth rate varying between 4 and 6% was recorded in the main producing countries and also by Czechia. Spain, France and Bulgaria had growth rates below 2%. In Denmark production stagnated, and in Austria, Ireland and Slovakia declined. Important EU funds are destined for the implementation of the national apiculture programmes 2020-2022 for sustainable beekeeping development, enhancing technical endowment, improving apiculturists' education level, sustaining young apiculturists, increasing the number of beehives and honey production level and quality and for assuring healthy and strong bee colonies. Bees have to continue to support agricultural production by pollination, rural areas development, a clean environment, balanced ecosystems and biodiversity preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the main trends in goat livestock and milk, meat, cheese and butter production at the world level during the last 30 years, more exactly since 1990 till present. The data collected from Faostat have been processed using fixed basis index, regression equations and coefficient of determination. The results proved that goats are important in the agriculture of many countries. They play a more and more important role in food security and safety, milk, meat, cheese, butter, yoghourt being called to complete dairy products offer and satisfy better consumers' demand. In 2019, the goat livestock reached the peak of the last three decades, accounting for 1,093.7 million heads, milk production was 19.91 million tonnes, meat production 6.25 million tonnes, cheese production 564 thousand tonnes and 7,427 tonnes butter. The highest number of goats is in Asia (54%) and Africa (38%), the highest meat production is also in Asia (73%) and Africa (23%), and the largest milk production is obtained also in Asia (54%), Africa (25%) and Europe (15%). Cheese production has the highest level in Africa (44%), followed by Europe (38%) and Asia (13.6%). Goat breeders are encouraged to continue their business raising goats due to the higher and higher demand for the goat products. The great challenges for goat producers are market fluctuations, price volatility, climate change which could affect forage resources. In this respect, goat breeders associations will play an important role in supporting the farmers with technical services and effective policies to sustain them to benefit from the demand growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the demand and offer in Romania's balneary (spa) tourism in the decade 2010-2019 in order to identify the main trends and correlations and the aspects which have to be improved for increasing spa tourism contribution in the economy and to people's health and relaxation. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics were processed using usual methods for dynamic analysis, trend equation, regressions and correlations, and determination coefficient. In 2019, Romania's offer in spa tourism was represented by 37 balneary resorts, 620 units with reception function for tourist accommodation, and 35,643 places, while the demand consisted of 1.33 million tourist arrivals and 4.81 million overnight stays. All this figures represent much more than in 2010, except the number of places which declined by 2.3%. Romanian spa tourism keeps 7.1% of the number of tourist accommodation units, 10% of the number of places, 8.5% of tourist arrivals, and 16% overnight stays. A positive and strong connection was found between the number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays, but also an unbalanced ratio between overnight stays and number of places as well as between tourist arrivals and number of places. Therefore, balneary tourism has to be much more sustained to become a strong branch of Romania's tourism. A new strategy is required to better valorize the richness of natural resources, to continue investing in infrastructure, to diversify spa services, and to promote more intensively Romania's spa tourism abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze in what measure the Covid-19 pandemic has influenced tourist flows in Romania's tourism in the year 2020 comparatively with the year 2019 and the 2020 forecast. The main indicators taken into consideration have been tourist arrivals, overnight stays and travels abroad. The data provided by the National Institute of Statistics have been processed using the annual average growth for setting up the 2020 forecast, and the index method allowed to quantify the percentage differences carried out in 2020 versus 2019 and the forecast level. In 2020, in Romania, tourism arrivals declined by 53%, but less compared to Europe 70 % or 74% at the global level. Romanians represents 93% of total arrivals, but their number decreased by 45% compared to 2019. Also, overnight stays declined by 51.65% and the residents' travels abroad by 58.8%. A critical situation was in case of foreign tourists' flow which diminished by 83.2% and the number of overnight stays by 81.1%. The most difficult period for tourism in the year 2020 was March-June, but in July-September, it was noticed a recovery. However, tourism industry was also affected regarding its receipts, turnover, personnel, and tourism units, many of them being closed and a few of them failed due to the imposed restrictions by authorities to diminish the spread of the pandemic. Romanians saved tourism rediscovering the beauty of the natural, cultural and historical treasures of their own country, spending their vacations at the seaside, in the mountains and in the rural areas, and, in general, preferring accommodation in small hotels and tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses. Rural tourism was a niche which offered safer stays, more activities in nature and benefiting of hospitality suitable for families and small groups of friends. Romania's tourism has to be more flexible in the year 2021 and the coming years in adapting the development strategy paying attention to the increased demand for domestic tourism including offers and experiences in open-air, nature-based and slow travel destinations. At international level Romania has to be promoted as a rural destination which is able to offer a high quality hospitality and the beauty of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the status of pork market during the period 2017-2019 under the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) in order to assess the consequences on pig livestock, pork production, trade, and price compared to the period 2014-2016. Using the data provided by Faostat and National Institute of Statistics, and the usual methods specific to such an analysis: fixed index, trend line, regression equations and determination coefficient, the obtained results have pointed out that in the interval 2017-2019 versus 2014-2016, of pig livestock, ASF has amplified the decline of pig livestock, slaughtered pigs and their live weight, and pork production. The higher demand than offer on the domestic market increased imports to assure food security and increased pork price. Farmers are discouraged to grow pigs due to the lack of biological material, high price for piglets and feedstuff, high production cost and the high risk that their business to fail, as long as subsidies and aids are missing in pig farming. In consequence, it is needed a new strategy which has to be adapted to the actual situation at the European level destined to counteract the spread of ASF by using efficient measures of traceability and biosecurity along the pork chain. Veterinary authorities have to join their forces to eradicate this disease and produce a vaccine for saving pig livestock. Subsidies and aids are required to sustain pig growing in Romania, where pork is a strategic food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of tourist demand and offer in Romania's mountain resorts in the period 2010-2019 using the statistical data collected from National Institute of Statistics in order to identify the main trends and suggest solutions for enhancing this sector of the national tourism. Fixed basis index, structural index and comparison method have been used for data processing. Romania has more than 100 mountain resorts, with a wonderful scenery and breathtaking splendors and treasure which must be discovered. More than 95 resorts are suitable for skiing. The most attractive mountain resorts are Poiana Brasov, Sinaia, Busteni, Predeal, Azuga, Paltinis, Vatra Dornei, Ranca and Transalpina. Over 2.3 million tourists spent their vacations in Romania's mountain resorts in 2019, being 2.8 times more then 2010 and accounting for 17.2% of total Romania's visitors. Romanians are dominant with a share of 91%. Not only the number of Romanians is growing up, but also the foreign visitors number which reached over 196 thousand in 2019, that is 2.2 times more than in 2010. The overnight stays increased 2.8 times, accounting for 4.42 million in 2019. In the mountain resorts there are 2,370 units for tourists accommodation, of which about 70% were represented by tourist and agro-tourist guesthouses, 8.7% tourist villas, 7.9% hotels and 6.2% chalets etc. Their number represent 27.5% of Romania's tourism accommodation units. In 2019, the offer of places (beds) was 63,943, by 80.4% more than in 2010 and representing 17.8% of the total offer in Romania's tourism. The beauty of the natural mountain landscapes, biodiversity, local economy, humans, cultural and historical heritage have to be better valorized, developed and promoted to enhance mountain tourism to increase its efficiency and competitiveness. Mountain skiing resorts have to continue their efforts to improve the access roads, buildings, equipments, installations, facilities, to enlarge the range of activities and to offer to tourists unforgettable vacations and to entirely cover their expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the trends in milling and baking industry in the EU-28 and Romania. During the period 2015-2019, the production of milling and bakery products increased as the need of the market is much higher. The offer of bakery products has been continuously adapted to consumer's preferences and assured a large range of bakery assortment for satisfying all the market segments. In the EU, the most representative countries operating in baking industry are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, United Kingdom, Poland and Romania. The milling and bakery products market is dominated by SMEs, and production technologies are more and more industrialized while the traditional bakery is slowing down. In Romania, milling and baking sector is the top sector in food industry. The number of companies has increased, production technologies have been modernized, product quality is increasing, the production volume is higher and higher, productivity, turnover and profit have also an ascending trend and the competitiveness has become more intense in the business environment. This economic sector assures jobs, and creates value added contributing to GDP growth. Bread consumption reached 78kg/capita/year in average in the EU-28 while in Romania is 82 kg/capita, a little bit higher. The top companies in milling and bakery industry in Romania based on their turnover achieved in 2019 are: Vel Pitar, the leader in the field, followed by Oltina, Boromir, Dobrogea, Sapte Spice and GoodMills. Based on the five criteria used in this study, the hierarchy is almost similar: Vel Pitar, Oltina, Boromir, Sapte Spice, Dobrogea, and GoodMills. The milling and bakery industry has to continue to modernize infrastructure, to look for healthier ingredients in the recipes, to diversify production, to keep under control production costs reducing energy expenses, to increase product quality and assure a good ratio between product quality and price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid Crisis - 19 meant for each of us an experience that we have never lived before and that we saw as a form of isolation from all that means socially, the negative impact on the economy being at the same time an undisputed one. And yet, can't it be the beginning of a new path? Can't it also have positive effects on our lives and on the entire planet? Doesn't it mean sustainability, doesn't it mean reinvention and the beginning of a new road, more modest, more relaxed, less aggressive with the environment? In this paper we aimed to analyze how the Covid - 19 crisis has influenced the tourism industry and how this could contribute to its reinvention, to the promotion of a sustainable tourism, to the finding of new ways to practice tourism. The study is based on the analysis of different bibliographic sources, on the analysis of statistical data, on the experience of some creators of sustainable forms of tourism that could be extended and that could contribute to the good of the planet and ours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a globalized economy in which more and more companies are operating, expanding their activity in different fields and by setting up different groups of companies, covering different markets, the issue of transfer pricing is not only important, but also necessary in considering the implications that they have not only on the profitability of the companies, but also on the budgets of the states of which they are part. In this paper we aimed to analyze the not easy issue of transfer prices, exemplifying through case studies, the choice and use of various valuation methods that aim to strengthen the tax base and determine the taxable profit within the group of companies in a way that is as correct as possible and that does not have fiscal consequences on them. The methods used were: the price comparison method, the plus cost method, the resale price method and the profit sharing method. The study highlighted that the application of the methods is based on the characteristics of the entities, the characteristics of the transactions subject to analysis and the comparability of the data. But regardless of the applied method, the preparation of the transfer pricing file is useful both for the fiscal authorities and for the entities, considering the fact that they can contribute to the increase of the company's profitability and to the assurance of competitive advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical tourism is a global phenomenon that involves the movement of people outside the country of residence in order to receive medical care, given that the global market is characterized by high medical costs for the treatment of chronic diseases, especially in developed countries. This market is growing, manifesting itself in two directions, on the one hand from developing countries to developed countries that have quality medical services, and on the other hand from developed countries to developing countries, due to the affordable services from the financial point of view, Among the reasons that determine the medical tourism are diseases such as dental, fertility treatment, cosmetic surgery, ophthalmic, orthopedic, cardiovascular treatments, etc. Based on the bibliographic study and the existing data in the statistical databases, we proposed that in this paper to analyze how medical tourism has developed in recent years, and the impact it has on a country's economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was focused on yields dynamics of the main agricultural crops: wheat, maize, barley, oats, sunflower and rape recorded in Romania and especially in Dobrogea region in =order to identify in what measure they were affected by climate change, mainly by drought in two decades: 2000-2009 and 2010-2019. For this purpose, there were calculated the negative deviations of yield in each year from the average of each decade, and also the differences between the average decade yield in Dobrogea region and at the country level. The results proved substantial negative deviations for almost all the crops compared to the decade averages, and a smaller production performance in Dobrogea region versus yield level in Romania. All these differences were caused by the change in climate factors: the increased air temperature, low of lack of precipitations, low or lack of water resource into the soil, which characterize the severe and strong droughts with which Romania, and mainly Dobrogea region were facing during the last 20 years. In order to reduce the economic, social and environmental impact of droughts, the authorities have to develop sustainable strategies in order to support agriculture with irrigation systems and other measures of protection (financial aid to cover losses, tax exemption, extending the terms of repayment of the debts etc), and farmers have to continue their efforts for adapting the technologies cultivating high production potential varieties and hybrids resistant to drought, diseases and pests, choosing the right moment and depth for sowing, fertilization level and plant protection. Only in this way, farmers could obtain a production performance able to cover costs and assure profitableness of their business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper was the analysis of the tourism dynamics in Romania's seaside resorts in the period 2010- 2019 in order to identify the main trends and characteristics of tourism in this destination. Based on fixed indices and regression models, the results proved that the seaside resorts are high attraction destinations for spending holidays especially in the summer season and also in extra-season. In 2019, tourist arrivals reached 1,153.7 thousands and the overnight stays accounted for 4,658 thousands, being higher than in 2010 by +64.2%, and, respectively, by +58.75%. The use rate of accommodation units in the seaside resorts increased from 33.8% in 2010 to 51.01% in 2019 being much higher than at the national level. More than 97% tourists on the seashore are Romanians. A number of 816.6 thousands tourists, meaning 10 times more than in 2010, took part to one-day trips organized in the proximity of the seaside by the local travel agencies. Even in the pandemic of covid-19, the Romanian seaside resorts were among the most preferred destinations. The main characteristics of Romania's seaside tourism are: the higher attraction for Romanian tourists than for foreigners, the seasonality and also extraseasonality of offer and demand, the disruption between the decline of the accommodation capacity (units and places) and the increased number of tourists, the large variety of tourism forms for spending time in an active (heliomarine cure, balneary procedures, nautical sports, fishing, entertainment, gastronomic, wine tasting, culturalhistorical etc). The seaside resorts have to continue their efforts to offer a modern and comfortable infrastructure, a large range of opportunities for spending vacations and safe stays in order to increase the number of tourists and incomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry today faces many challenges as a result of changes in legislation in this area, due to the use of distribution chains that are increasingly complex or the emergence of no ice ingredients tend to replace traditional products. The success of a food company depends on its ability to provide its customers with safe, quality products that meet their expectations, but also respecting specific legislation. In addition to their role in human nutrition due to their nutritional value and the need to cover energy needs, food must also contribute to ensuring psychosensory satisfaction as a result of consumption, in close connection with the structure of the product, its chemical composition and its properties. The way in which the food products satisfy from the sensory point of view the exigencies of the consumers, represents an important condition in the realization of some salable products and therefore, the producers in the food industry must pay due attention to these aspects. This can be achieved through sensory analysis which is also a component of the concept of quality, being a method of examining food using the basic senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Through this paper we aimed to analyze consumers' perception of the quality of bakery products using subjective methods, ie assessment methods for consumers and not specialists, namely: the hedonic test and the Likert scale, which were applied to a semi-trained panel of 45 tasters, represented by the students of the Faculty of Management and Rural Development. Based on the study, conclusions were formulated regarding the way in which consumers appreciated the quality of bakery products, resulting in the fact that they orient their purchase of bakery products according to taste and appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow tourism, slow adventure are new ways to travel, are new ways of life that are addressed to a new generation of tourists, much more concerned with ecology, environmental protection, and who wants to have a relaxing break after life tumultuous it has, which needs both adrenaline, but also immersion in a natural, open space, which will allow them to disconnect from technology. Drawing from these concepts, appeared and developed by specialists from the Nordic countries, as well as from the examples of their good practices, through this paper we set out to analyze the evolution of tourism worldwide during the period 2009-2018, with the purpose of to identify the ways of adapting Romania to these new temptations. The research method consisted of two stages, one of bibliographic study and another of analysis and interpretation of statistical data, on the basis of which conclusions could be formulated and proposals made for the development of slow tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today the world faces a lot of problems: an unstable economy that leads to joblessness, population growth, but also to a poor population in some areas of the world, environmental degradation, political instability, etc. All these problems could be alleviated in some countries, and they could be further alleviated through the income generated by tourism development. One form of tourism that does not necessarily require high investments is adventure tourism, which must be practiced responsibly precisely because it is close to nature and because we do not want to destroy this nature that is already in imbalance. This requires responsible behavior and government policies that ensure sustainable tourism. In this paper we intend to analyze the place that adventure tourism occupies among developed countries and developing countries starting from the existing data for the period 2010-2018. We will analyze how this ranking has changed over time, but also the ways in which Romania could develop adventure tourism. The working methodology involved the revision of the specialized literature on the definition of adventure tourism and the way of calculating the Adventure Tourism Development Index, the collection of data from various international databases, their processing, so that based on the analysis we could draw conclusions regarding the development stage of adventure tourism in Romania and its development prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the status of Sorghum cultivated area, production and yield at the EU-28 level and in each producing country in the period 2008-2019, and then the forecast for these indicators was estimated for the horizon 2020-2024. Fixed index, trend line, descriptive statistics and regression modeling were used to process the data. The cultivated surface with sorghum in the EU reached 197 thousand ha in 2019, being almost double than on 2008. The cultivated area with Sorghum increased in all sorghum producing countries: France, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Austria and Greece, except Spain and Slovakia were it remained constant. The largest cropped areas are in France, Italy and Romania, accounting for 76%. Sorghum output doubled its figure and in 2019 reached 1,019 thousand tons. About 91% of production being achieved by France (431), Italy (312), Hungary (117) and Romania (68). The EU yield was 5,179 kg/ha, but higher yields were recorded by Austria, Italy and France. In 2024, it is estimated that the EU will produce 1,045 thousand tons sorghum. Production will increase in Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, will decline in France and Hungary and will remain constant in Spain and Slovakia. The EU will continue to pay attention to this crop as a response to climate change. The main purposes of sorghum being animal feed, biomass for bio-fuels, raw material in food industry, component in crop rotation, maintenance of biodiversity and environment preservation. [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 the dynamics of Sorghum cultivated area, production and yield in the decade 2010-2019 pointing out the position of Romania among the EU-28 producing countries, the relationship between production and yield using ANOVA, and regression analysis in terms of linear fit. The results showed that the cultivated area increase by 52.7 % in reaching 15,712 ha in 2019. The West and South West regions cultivate 81 % of Romania's cropped area with Sorghum. Production increased 3.2 times reaching 60 thousand tons in 2019, 80% being achieved by West region (63.4 %) and South West Oltenia (10.5%). Sorghum yield was doubled in 2018 achieving 3,819 kg/ha, the highest records being in North East and West. Romania is ranked the 4th in the EU-28 after France, Italy and Hungary for Sorghum cultivated surface, production and yield. Between production and yield is a positive and strong relationship, r = 0.842 and R² = 0.710, reflecting that 71 % of the variation of production is caused by yield change. The regression model Y = 0.0112 x + 13.424, shows that if Sorghum yield increases by one unit, production will grow by 13.43 units. Therefore, a higher productivity per surface unit will contribute to production growth. For this reason, farmers have to use modern technologies involving high potential varieties and hybrids, optimized tillage, fertilization, sowing depth, plant density, distance between rows, correct and timing application of the agricultural works, the use of modern equipments for tillage, sowing, crop maintenance and harvesting. The technologies have to be adapted to climate change, meaning the use of earlier cultivars, looking for a new depth of sowing where soil moisture content favours seeds germination and chose the best harvesting moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed in the EU silk export, import and trade balance in the period 2010-2019 pointing out the main tendencies and the role and position of the major "actors" in silk commercial transactions. The data provided by International Trade Center were processed using the fixed basis index, descriptive statistics, average annual growth rate, and trend method based on regression models. The results showed that the EU-28 is the most important importer and consumer of raw silk and also the top exporter of textiles and fashion products worldwide. However, the silk export and import values declined at the EU level and also in the top 10 countries "players" in the silk market. The countries with the major impact on the silk export and import in the EU are, in the decreasing order: Italy, Romania, France, United Kingdom and Germany whose market share represented 94.32% in the EU export and 86.9 % in the EU import in the year 2019. A lower market share in case of silk import have Bulgaria, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain and Austria as well. China and India are the main suppliers of raw silk and other silk products for the EU, but also Vietnam and Thailand. The EU developed a new clustering strategy enlarging the geographical area where silk products could be produced cheaper, the workforce could be more efficiently used increasing productivity and sales in the silk products market. In this way, raw silk could be provided locally preventing a possible decline of China supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the trends and relationships in the EU ewes and goats livestock and milk output in the period 2010-2018 based on Eurostat Data using the fixed basis index, descriptive statistics, average yearly growth rate, Bravais- Pearson correlation coefficients, determination coefficient and regression models. The results attested the important contribution given by the two species to the EU milk sector in order to diversify cheese varieties and stimulate consumption and export. While sheep livestock declined in general, and the goats population increased, ewes and goats' milk delivered to dairy industry increased. In the decreasing order, the main EU countries raising sheep are Spain, Romania, Greece, Italy and France, and the main countries growing goats are Greece, Spain, Romania, France, Italy and Netherlands. Raw milk production increased in case of the both species in many countries. Ewe milk is mainly produced in Greece, Spain, Italy and France, while goat milk is especially produced in France, Spain, Netherlands and Greece. The diverse policies, management and marketing and production performance from a country to another pointed out the need to improve farmers skills in resources, livestock and production management, to encourage them to join in associations to benefit of low-price inputs and a direct access to market. The coupled aids financed by the EU are incentives to sustain sheep and goat farming and dairy sector, farmers' income, the valorization of the natural resources, the development of the disadvantaged rural and peri-urban areas, animal health and welfare, environment quality and biodiversity, and the offer of organic dairy products to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed honey production concentration in Romania in the period 2009-2018 using the specific indicators: number of beekeepers, bee hives, honey production and yield per bee hive, and methods like: trend equation, Herfindhal-Hirschman concentration index (HHI), regression models, correlations and determination coefficients to examine the gains in comparison with the period 2007-2016. The results pointed out that both the number of bee colonies and honey production increased in a high measure, only honey yield remained stable (20 kg/year). In 2018, Romania came on important positions in the EU-28 top honey producing countries as follows: 2nd position for 1,689.5 thousand bee hives, 1st position for 30,000 tons honey production, 3rd position for 80 average number of bee hives per apiary, and 18th position for 20 kg honey yield per bee hive. In 2018, the distribution of the bee hives and honey production in the territory was: 18.5% South West Oltenia, 16.2% South East, 14.6% North West, 13.6% South Muntenia, 13.3 % North East, 12% Center, 10.6% West and 1.2% Bucharest-Ilfov. Compared to 2009, honey production increased in 2018 in almost all the micro-regions, except North East, where it remained stable. HHI indices had values below 0.15 reflecting a low concentration. Compared to the period 2007-2016, in the interval 2009-2018, the mean for the number of bee hives and honey production increased, the correlation and determination coefficients recorded higher values for the pair of indicators: honey production and the number of bee hives and for the honey production and yield, while for the average yield and the number of bee hives the values were smaller. Regression equations attested that honey production is about 50% determined by the number of bee hives and in smaller proportion by honey yield. Beekeeping has to continue to develop for assuring the pollination of the agricultural crops, the preservation of biodiversity and environment and for providing healthy products for consumers, jobs and incomes for the rural population. The EU and National Programmes for Apiculture will strengthen this sector keeping pace with the increased competitiveness on the EU honey market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the concentration of rape cultivated area and seed production in Romania in the period 2009- 2018. using Herfindahl-Hirchman Index (HHI) and Gini -Struck Index (GSI), as well the regression and correlation between these indicators. In 2018, Romania had 633 thousand ha cultivated with rape and produced 1,673,327 tons seeds, 2.8 times more than in 2009. All the eight micro-regions are involved in rape cropping. but the largest surfaces are situated in the South Muntenia (39.07%), South-East (24.69), South-West Oltenia (10.03), West (9.07%). The highest contribution to rape seed output is given by South Muntenia (42.36%), South-East (22.89%), West (11.33) and North-East (6.43%). The HHI values > 0.25 reflected a relative high concentration of the cultivated area and seed production, mainly in four micro-regions: South Muntenia, South-East, South-West Oltenia and West. The Gini- Struck Index indicated a moderate concentration of the cultivated area and also of the seeds production, GS = 0.371- 0.468 for surface, and GS = 0.379- 0.477 for production. The correlation coefficient r = 0.888 proved a positive and strong relationship between the two indicators, and the regression model, Y = 2.694 X - 163.83 reflected that one thousand more ha cultivated with rape will produce 2.534 thousand tons seeds in addition. Rape production is expected to continue to grow and to be more concentrated in the micro-regions mentioned above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the ewes and goats contribution to the amount of raw milk marketed to milk processing industry in the period 2009-2018 and set up the forecast for the 2019-2023 horizon, using the empirical data provided by the National Institute of Statistics and using the fixed basis index, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients and T test of significance, linear regressions, determination coefficient and average annual gain. An increased number of ewes and goats by 9.9% and, respectively by 60.7% was achieved in 2018 versus 2009. This led to a higher contribution of these categories of animals, 2.17% in case of ewes and 1.39% in case of goats in raw milk amount sold to dairies in 2018. A string and positive relationship was found between the number of ewes and goats and the amount of raw marketed milk, r = 0.856 and, respectively, r = 0.771. This was also attested by the regression models which reflected that the increase by one unit of the ewes' number will led to a surplus of 14.344 raw milk, and by an increase with one unit of the goats' number will result 38.698 gain collected milk. In 2023, it is estimated that raw milk delivered from ewes will reach 31,016.5 tons, and raw goat milk sold will accounts for 20,200 tons. To increase their incomes from delivered milk, sheep and goat farmers have to grow the female livestock by improving breed structure, reproduction performance, feeding and milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed net profit and profitability of a panel of six commercial companies (C1-C6) raising dairy cows and supplying milk on the capital market in the period 2009-2018, based on the data from Balance Sheets which were processed using fixed index, descriptive statistics, points method, regression modeling, correlations and determination coefficients. All the companies registered an increased net profit in the analyzed period except C3 which registered losses in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2018 and C5 with losses in 2016. The highest annual profit average was achieved by C4 (Lei 1.19 Million) and the lowest one by C5 (Lei 0.3 Million). Net profit margin varied between 23%, the highest level in C5, and 1.1%, the lowest level in C3. The highest average net profit obtained per one million used assets was Lei 370 thousand in C5 and the lowest level was Lei 6 thousand in C3.For one million equity, the return of net profit accounted for Lei 0.42 million in C5 and Lei 30 thousand in C3. The total costs of the firms increased influencing the net profit. For Lei one million expenses, the average net profit varied between Lei 310 thousand in C5 and 20 thousand in C3. The total number of points received for each analyzed indicator led to the following classification of the companies, in the decreasing order of profitability: C5, C4,C2, C6,C1 and C3. The F test confirmed that the linear regression models attested that costs have an influence on net profit. However, only in case of C5 and C2, the variation of net profit was caused by total costs in a higher proportion than 50%, and in case of C4 and C1 with about 31%. The correlation coefficients reflected a high positive connection between net profit and costs in C2 (r = 0.994) and C6 (r = 0.711). The profitability analysis in these companies emphasized that even though they are in top agribusiness in dairy farming, they could get losses in a few years as net profit is influenced by costs. As a final conclusion, to increase net profit and profitability, the decision makers have to set up a development strategy of the business based on a deep financial analysis and prospecting the opportunities which could assure economic growth in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed turnover indicators in terms of working capital (WCT), total assets (TAT) and fixed assets (FAT) on the profitableness in term of return on assets (ROA) and equity (ROE) of six companies, codified F1-F6, dealing with dairy farming in the surroundings of Bucharest, the capital of Romania in the period 2009-2018. Descriptive statistics, correlation and determination coefficients, as well as polynomial regression models were used to process the data in order to prove in what measure the increase of turnover could have a beneficial effect on effectiveness of the business. Despite that the firms are in the top for their financial results, it was noticed a large variation regarding the dynamics of sales and profit, but the general trend was an increasing one. Based on the indicators taken into account, the resulting hierarchy of the companies was F5, F2, F1, F3, F4 and F6. A weak relationship was found between WCT, TAT and FAT and ROA and ROE, with a few exceptions as follows: in F4, r =0.540 between WCT and ROA, r=0.703 between TAT and ROA, r = 0.806 between FAT and ROA and r=0.565 between WCT and ROE, in F5, r=0.565between WCT and ROE, and in F6 r = 0.601 between TAT and ROA and r = 0.525 between FAT and ROA. Another conclusion was that in F4, the variation of WCT and TAT could influence the variation of ROA, and the variation of FAT could influence the variation of ROE in a higher measure. The polynomial regression models showed that in F4, one more unit of TAT could determine an increased ROA by 0.2609, and one more unit of FAT could led to a higher ROA by 0.333 and of ROE by 0.970. In F5, one more unit of WCT could grow ROE by 3.895, and one more unit TAT will determine a higher ROE by 0.282. As a final conclusion, in financial management of the dairy companies turnover must be carefully managed in order to get a higher effectiveness and profitability of the business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed pork market in the EU and in the top 10 pork producing countries in the period 2007-2018 based on the statistical data using dynamics analysis based on fixed basis index, and trend analysis based on polynomial and linear equations. The pig number declined in the EU, accounting for 148.2 million heads in 2018. In this year, there were slaughtered 259.3 million pigs from which there were obtained 23.84 million tonnes pork, by 3.8% more than in 2007. About 64% of the EU pork output is carried out in Germany, Spain, France, Denmark and Netherlands. The EU pork exports reached 3.93 million tonnes in 2018, 2 times more than in 2007. The pork imports are not significant and declined. The EU export value was double in 2018, accounting for Euro 7.3 billion, of which 71% is due to Spain, Germany, Denmark and Netherlands. The EU-28 is the top pork exporter in the world, its trade balance reached Euro 7.2 Billion in 2018, being 2.3 times higher than in 2007. The highest trade balance is registered by Spain, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, and France. The average pork carcass price was Euro 142.04 in 2018 at the EU level. Pork is the most consumed meat in the EU, an inhabitant consuming 35 kg per year, 3 times more than the world average. As a final conclusion, the main trends which will continue in the near future in the EU pork market are the following ones: the decline in pig livestock, the slight growth of pork production, the intensification of exports, the decrease in imports and a slight decline of consumption. [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 Romania's pork market crisis by means of pig livestock, pork production, consumption, import, export, trade balance, pork price based on the empirical data provided by NIS Tempo Online for the period 2014- 2018 emphasizing the effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF). Dynamic analysis, trend analysis, descriptive statistics, regression modeling, and comparison have been the main methodological tools used in this study. Despite that pig number declined by 27.7%, in 2018 accounting for3.92 million heads compared to 2010, and in 2019 there were lost other 486, 000 heads due to the ASF, pork production remained relatively stable at 426,100 Tons in 2018, being by only 3.3% higher than in 2014. Its level is justified by the increased live weight at slaughter and by the imports of pigs and pork carcasses. Pork consumption is 38.3kg/capita, by 15% higher than in 2010, but a little lower than 41 kg/capita, theEU-28 average. Romania's pork trade is dominated by imports, which led to a negative trade balance in 2018 of -327,010 Tons, being by 87.3% higher than in 2014. In 2018, import represented 85% of pork production, 48.3% of pork consumption, import dependency being 48%, and self sufficiency rate 56.5%. Export/import ratio registered 9% in terms of quantity and 5.7% in terms of value, the both figures reflecting the lowest level recorded by Romania, reflecting its status of net importing country and the inefficient trade. The ASF impact is seen in the growth of farm inputs price, production cost, and farm gate price, which since April 2019 increased from Lei 5.61 to Lei 8 per kg live weight in the month of December, that is by 42.6%, and the massive imports of pigs and carcasses practiced by the processors affecting the local breeders. To recover the pork market in Romania, both the breeders and processors have to respect the strategy and measures imposed by the authorities regarding pig growing, transportation, slaughtering, to sustain the development of pork production, its quality, and export and to increase efficiency and competitiveness of pork sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the tourist flow in Romania in order to identify the main trends and changes during the period 2009-2018 using the official empirical data and the specific indicators: tourist arrivals, overnight stays, average length of stay, monthly concentration rate, tourism intensity and residents' travels abroad. Romania has become year by year a more attractive tourist destination as the total arrivals reached 12.9 million in 2018, a double level than in 2009. The market is dominated by the Romanian visitors who accounted for 78% of arrivals. Hotels absorbed 9 million tourists, meaning 70% of arrivals. More than 86% foreigners prefer hotels. The overnight stays increased by 60% reaching 23.3 million in 2018, but the general trend is a decreasing one. Of the total overnight stays, 82% belong to the Romanian tourists and 90% are recorded in hotels. The length of stay is in general short about 2 days and with a tendency of decline. The most numerous arrivals are concentrated in August and July when the concentration rate is about 14-15%. The occupancy rate increased, but it reached 22.18% in 2018, the lowest level among the EU countries. In hotels, the occupancy rate reached 30%. With 66 tourist/100 inhabitants and 54.13 per km2, Romania's tourism intensity is among the lowest in the EU. In 2018, the residents registered 21 million travels abroad, by 80% more than in 2009 and with a tendency to grow. As a final conclusion, Romania's potential in tourism should be much better exploited, the demand/offer ratio should be balanced, tourist destinations should be more intensively promoted and service quality should be improved in order to grow the attractiveness of the country and tourist flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the important role that consumer perception plays in the success of a business, in this paper we set out to analyze their perception of the apple juice obtained from an agricultural farm in Dambovita county. The study was attended by 103 respondents who were asked a questionnaire consisting of 12 questions, the survey taking place face to face. The data were processed using statistical methods, being interpreted using the Likert scale and highlighting that the product is rated with an overall score of 4.08 points out of a maximum score of 5 points. Based on this study, the owners want to know both the consumers' perception of the apple juice they produce and market, as well as finding solutions to improve their marketing activity so that their products are as attractive as possible, and then to leads to increased market share and the profitability of the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]