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The objective of the analysis is to quantify the impact of subsidies on the activity of two large farms of 600 ha and 3000 ha, respectively. The innovative solution from this analysis is to create a model that can be used at the macroeconomic level, showing the possible ways in which these large farms can secure their incomes. To study the use of these subsidies, the methods of technical–economic analysis, economic–financial analysis and statistical analysis of the data were used. Descriptive statistics, visual inspection and basic comparative methods were used to determine the statistical patterns of subsidy impact and variation for each crop. In this context, this is evidence of the possibility of probable expansion of crop income and profitability. The results were different for the two arable farms studied. The results for the 600 ha arable farm suggested that the statistical model was inconclusive due to the annual adjustment of the cropping plan and the impossibility of making viable forecasts, especially since the ecological performance fluctuated (in 2020 the farm was on the verge of profitability), although the positive impact of subsidies was evident in loss-making years. For the 3000 ha arable farm, the statistical model was relevant because it highlighted crops (corn and soybeans) that consistently contributed to good and increasing income and economic performance, as well as highlighting the significant impact of subsidies. The conclusions of the study emphasize the indispensability of subsidies for large farms and the contribution of crops to income generation. These conclusions provide a valuable source of information for relevant policy decisions and can guide future research aiming to increase the profitability of these farms and allocate resources appropriately and efficiently in the agricultural sector.

The paper analyzed the development in the NUTS 2 of Romania in the year 2022 using a large spectrum of socioeconomic criteria including 32 indicators, destined especially to emphasize the contribution of agriculture to the social and economic growth. The data were picked up from the National Institute of Statistics and Eurostat database. The processing methodology included: structural indices, comparisons among regions, rank-order method to establish the hierarchy based on the region performance. The results reflected the population polarization in North East, South Muntenia, North West and South East and also in Bucharest-Ilfov. Rural population and the one dealing with agriculture is concentrated in North East, South Muntenia, North West and South East. But, the occupied persons in the economy are in Bucharest Ilfov, North West, Center and West. The largest cultivated area and the highest value of agricultural production are in South Muntenia, South East, South West Oltenia, West and North East. The highest value of agricultural production per inhabitant is in South Muntenia, South East, South West Oltenia, West and North East. Labor productivity is higher in Bucharest Ilfov, West, North West and Center. The highest average monthly income, expenditures and savings rate per household is in Bucharest Ilfov, North West, Center and West. Income from agriculture per household is higher in North East, West, South East and North West, while per person is higher in Bucharest Ilfov, South Muntenia, North West and South East. GDP has the highest level is in Bucharest Ilfov, West, Centre, North West, while in North East, South Muntenia, South West Oltenia and South East is lower. In 2022, Romania achieved Euro 26,700 per capita (PPS) (75% of the EU average), coming on the 22 position among the other EU countries. Based on all these criteria, the final hierarchy of the NUTS 2 regions in Romania in 2022 was in the decreasing order: South Muntenia, South East, North West, West, Center, Bucharest Ilfov, South West Oltenia and North East which reflects the existence of discrepancies among regions. Romania has to intensify its efforts to assure a higher rate of economic growth on the principle of equity in the territory and reach a balanced and harmonized economic and social development which, also, have to reduce the gaps compared to the other NUTS 2 regions. For attaining this objective, Romania must to use the EU (TFEU) cohesion funds (2021-2027) to strengthen its economic, social and territorial cohesion and to assure a harmonious and balanced development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrome plating of long bars in conventional batch plants proves to be challenging, requiring complex lifting equipment and considerable vertical space. Therefore, the use of continuous chrome plating plants, which allow controlled passage of the bars through the chrome plating bath, is preferred. The continuous hard chrome plating plant operates automatically, controlling the entire process from the loading to the discharge of chrome plated bars. The feed and discharge mechanisms must allow the flow of electric current through the bars subject to the chrome plating. This calls for the design of some mechanisms capable of ensuring a constant feed of bars and their efficient discharge. This paper presents a virtual study using finite element analysis (FEA) focused on the strength assessment of the mechanism including the drive pin, the levers and the sliding plates responsible for the movement of the bars. As a result of the study, essential data on critical stresses, local deformations and factor of safety (FOS) for the whole mechanism were obtained, thus providing valuable information for the optimization of the chrome plating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents simplified approximations that allow the evaluation of the unidirectional longitudinal and transverse modulus of a composite material, starting from the elastic properties of the constituents (inorganic particles, matrices) as well as its relative properties. In calculations, the response of the composite material is assimilated with an associated system of particles and matrices [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to obtain advanced oxide materials, obtained through technologies compatible with sustainable development materials. These materials are used in special operating conditions, such as in the case of continuous steel casting, where there is a temperature difference of over 10000C between the mold wall and the steel crust. These are the lubricating powders for the crystallizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of using bubbling in the case of metal alloys was to increase the mechanical resistance, to improve the casting properties as well as to observe the changes brought by gases on the structure. During bubbling, especially hydrogen and oxygen are removed, which obviously leads to the improvement of metal alloys. The influence of bubbling on the casting properties is explained by the structural changes that occur in the cast alloys. Therefore, bubbling with methane gas is a safe means of improving the quality of cast parts, ensuring at the same time the increase of casting properties of alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the number of beehives and honey production at the global level and in the European Union as well as the main problems honey bees are facing nowadays and how they could be solved. The statistical data for the period 2000-2022 provided by FAOStat, Knoema, Eurostat and other official data bases have been processed using fixed basis and structural indices, trend regression equations (linear and polynomial), R square, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, correlation coefficient, comparison method. Compared to 58.8 million beehives in the world in the year 2000, in 2022 their number reached 102 million (+76.3%). The share of beehives by continent is: Asia 44.6%, Europe 24.7%, Africa 17.7%, Americas 11.4% and Oceania 1.4%. The highest number of bee hives is in India, China Mainland, Turkey, Iran (Islamic Rep.), Ethiopia, Russian Federation, Argentina, Tanzania (U. Rep.), USA and Mexico. In 2022, the EU had 20.27 million beehives, meaning +19.44% versus 2016. The largest number of bee hives in the EU is in Spain, Romania, Greece, Poland, Italy, France, Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria and Czechia. From 1.25 million tons in the year 2000, the global honey production reached 1.83 million tons in 2022 (+45.8%). The regression equation: y = 0.0148 x + 0.4064 shows that an increase by one million beehives will determine a growth by 0.0148 million tons of honey at the global level. From the peak of 22.5 kg honey per bee hives in the year 2005, in 2022, it was registered 17.9 kg at the global level. Honey production by continent in 2022 was: Asia 48.2%, Europe 22.8%, Americas 18.5%, Africa 8.5% and Oceania 2%. In 2022, the top 10 honey producing countries at the global level were: China, EU-27, Turkey, Iran (Islamic Rep.), India, Argentina, Russian Federation, Mexico, Ukraine and Brazil, all together representing 73.6% of the world honey production. In 2014, the EU produced 235 thousand tons honey and in 2022 it achieved 286 thousand tons (+21.7%). The top honey producing countries are Germany, France, Romania, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Greece, Bulgaria and Portugal. A bee hives produces 21 kg honey in average, but there are EU countries with higher yields: Finland, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Austria, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia and France. To solve the crisis of biodiversity, pollution and climate change, specific recommendations are destined to improve the ratio between the managed honey bees and wild bees so that the wild bees to have access to flowering sources, to benefit of a suitable habitat to live and reproduce and biodiversity not to suffer. Special measures have to be taken in the cities so that the balance between honey and wild bees to be preserved and the residents and tourists not to be affected. Severe cleaning and hygiene in the apiary, avoiding bees imports, making treatments based on organic medicines could avoid diseases and pests. Farmers have to avoid the use of Neonicotinoids pesticides to help apiculturists not to have bees losses. Beekeeping technology must be adapted to the local conditions and weather alerts, assuring flowering sources, bees reproduction and food storage, as the bee families to pass easier over the winter. An intensified consultancy service, investments in new technologies, a balanced transhumance, more effective marketing actions could increase honey production and quality and stimulate consumption in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the role of informal agricultural consultancy through Facebook groups in Romania, particularly in the absence of a formal agricultural extension system. With no structured support in place, Romanian farmers have turned to social media platforms, especially Facebook, to seek advice, share knowledge, and engage in peer-to-peer learning. This study analyzed 20 Facebook groups from January 2023 to May 2024, focusing on group dynamics, user engagement, and the quality of discussions. Findings highlight that while these groups offer valuable real-time discussions on critical topics such as machinery maintenance, pest control, and sustainable farming practices, they also suffer from inconsistencies in the quality of information shared. The absence of expert moderation has led to varying degrees of accuracy, with some groups being prone to misinformation. The study suggests that integrating these informal platforms with a formal agricultural extension system could improve the quality of advice provided to farmers. A hybrid system, modeled after successful international frameworks like the American agricultural extension service, could combine grassroots knowledge-sharing with expert-backed guidance and structured training. However, risks such as misinformation, over-reliance on social media platforms, and the absence of a cohesive extension service continue to pose significant challenges. In conclusion, while Facebook groups play a crucial role in filling the advisory gap, they cannot replace a formal agricultural extension system. Further research is needed to explore how these informal platforms can be better integrated with professional services to enhance Romanian agriculture and rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature on the surfaces in sliding motion changes as a result of the operating conditions. The temperature distribution generated during the friction process depends on the forces generated in operation, the speed of sliding, the topography of the surface,the properties of the materials that form the friction coupling. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of temperature increase on surfaces in sliding motion with implications on the hardness of friction coupling materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging is the basic necessity of every product. Without packaging the product cannot be stored or moved from one location to another. The packaging gives the product an identity. Therefore, the packaging constitutes a protective covering of the product in such a way as to protect the product during handling, storage and movement. The purpose of this work was to study and analyze the evolution of packaging in the food industry, because the quality of products that are stored in casseroles must to remain the same and not be influenced by the quality of the packaging. Samples were taken by hand, by cutting, from white and black polypropylene pots, as well as wood fiber pots. They were correctly labeled, and later they were analyzed in the laboratories of ICSTM Valahia, performing FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and optical microscopy analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to identify the main tendencies in raw silk trade at the global level and in the EU main producing and trading countries like China and India in Asia, and Italy, France, Romania, Germany and Spain in the EU. To attain this goal, the data referred to the last decade divided into two sub-periods 2013-2017 and 2018-2022 for allowing the comparison and quantification of the differences. The methodological procedures included the use of fixed basis indices, absolute and relative differences among sub-periods, comparison, trend regression equations and R square served as statistical tools to process the data from ITC and OEC World. The results pointed out the decline by 43.2% in world raw silk production which attained 91 thousand MT in 2022 vs 2013. The global raw silk export decreased from USD 3.12 Billion in 2013 to USD 1.91 Billion in 2022 (-38.8%), while the import went down by 38.8% from USD 2.41 Billion to USD 1.65 Billion (-31.54%). In consequence, trade balance remained positive at USD 0.26 Billion in 2022, but being 2.5 times smaller than in 2013. In the EU, in 2022, raw silk export was USD 0.46 Billion (-46.5% lower vs 2013), while import value attained USD 0.62 Billion (- 37.4% vs 2013), resulting a negative balance of - USD 0.16 Billion. China maintained its top position as a silk producer and exporter, with a positive trade balance, but negative in 2020-2022. The Asian competitors India, Uzbekistan and Vietnam increased production and their trade as well. The EU is a very important raw silk importer, so that its trade balance is negative (-USD 0.16 Billion in 2022). Italy is a remarkable top silk importer in the world, and France, Romania, Germany and Spain are also representatives. Silk textiles remain of high attraction for fashion industry, a reason to expect as production and commerce to flourish in the future, as in the EU is a new orientation to reduce the wastes caused by fast fashion based on synthetic fibers and to encourage the production of healthier and environment friendly natural fibers like silk which has to sustain fashion, textile and apparel industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the land use at the global level and in the European Union in the period, 2000-2021, in order to identify the changes and trend pointing out the status of agricultural land and by category of use. Fixed and structural indices and suggestive illustration were used to show the variations and trends for agricultural land, arable land, crop land and permanent meadows and pastures at the global level, for the top countries with the largest agricultural area and in the EU-27 by member states. The global agricultural land decreased, in 2021, being 4,787.5 Million ha, by 1.8% smaller. The world crop land increased to 1,579.8 Million ha in 2021, being by 5.7% larger. Of the global agricultural land, 33% is cropland and 67% permanent grasslands. The larger cropland is in Asia, Americas and Europe. The largest countries in cropland represent 39.3%, while the largest countries in grasslands 23.2%. About 40% of the EU's territory is represented by agricultural land and belongs to France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Finland, Italy, and Romania. The EU agricultural land decreased to 162,905.8 thousand ha, being by 10.83% smaller. Cropland declined by 9.4%, and permanent grasslands declined by 13.71%. Cropland accounts for 68%, while permanent grasslands for 32% in the EU. The EU keeps 3.4% of the global agricultural land, 7.01% of crop land and 1.62% of grasslands. In the most EU countries agricultural land declined. In the EU, it is a high concentration of agricultural land, but no concentration in arable land, cropland and permanent grasslands. The world agricultural land per capita declined from 0.24 ha in 2000 to 0.20 ha in 2021. The highest cropland per capita is in Oceania 0.77 ha, Europe 0.39 ha, Americas 0.37 ha, Africa 0.21 ha and Asia with only 0.13 ha. In the EU-27, the average is 36.56 ha agricultural land per capita. The expand of the agricultural land has to be stopped, as it is enough food to nourish the global population. New agro-eco technologies are called to increase crop yield and productivity to protect environment and biodiversity. The reduction in meat production and consumption will protect forests and cropland, and stopping deforestation will orient the people to a healthier and green diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze milk resources availabilities and utilizations in their dynamics in the period 2014- 2021 pointing out the state of production, import, export and availabilities for human consumption in order to assess in what measure food security and efficiency in milk trade are assured. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics were processed using fixed basis index, regression equations, determination coefficient, graphically illustration and comparison method. In 2021 versus 2014, the results reflected that: utilizable internal production declined by 9.3%, accounting for 51,750; availabilities for human consumption remained relatively stable, in 2021 being 48,881 thousand hl (+ 0.53%). The weight of availability of milk for human consumption in utilizable internal milk production increased from 85.21 % to 94.45%. Import reached 12,988 thousand hl, being 2.58 times higher. The share of import in availability for human consumption increased by 16.28 pp, reaching 26.57%. Milk export was by + 57.28% higher attaining 3,152 thousand hl. The share of export in utilizable production went up from 3.51% to 6.09%. Export/import ratio declined from 0.40 in 2014 to 0.24 in 2021, reflecting a negative milk trade balance. Milk consumption per capita reached 255.6 kg in 2021, being by 4.66% higher than in 2014. In 2021, a Romanian could consume in average 721.3 g milk per day compared to 689.1 g in 2014. The self-sufficiency rate decreased from 95% in 2014 to 84.02 % in 2021, due to the decline in utilized internal production. To diminish milk crisis, it is needed to offer more subsidies for sustaining dairy farming and to stop the decline in the number of dairy cows, in milk production and marketed milk and reduce imports. Processors have to offer Euro 0.5 per milk kg to Romanian farmers and not a discriminatory price of Euro 0.2.-03. Imports have to be reduced and export to be encouraged after assuring the market requirements by internal production. In this way, both self-sufficiency rate and the efficiency in milk trade could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of friction on polymeric materials are quite difficult to explain due to the micro and macroscopic interactions of the friction coupling surfaces, which slide over each other. The friction and wear behavior of surfaces in sliding motion can be considered important design criteria. By adding different concentrations of reinforcing agent to the base material, the tribological performance of surfaces in sliding motion can be obtained. The experimental study was carried out on a pin-on-disc type tribological stand under dry friction conditions. The friction and wear behavior was analyzed for two base materials (PTFE and PA66) and the same glass fiber reinforced materials (PTFE + 25% fiber-glass and PA66+GF30). The tests were carried out at different sliding speeds and loading forces, v1=0.20 m/s, v2=0.50 m/s, v3=0.75 m/s and loading forces, Fn1=1.0 N, Fn2=2.5 N, Fn3=5.0 N over a friction length of 5000 mm. Research has shown that the coefficient of friction decreases with increasing loading force. Tests have shown that a high value of the friction coefficient does not mean a high wear rate, the wear rate values are between 10-12 and 10-15 m2/N. TheL(1) presences of the reinforcing agent in the base material have a significant importance on the friction and wear behavior under the action of operating factors (load, sliding speed). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the competitiveness of top 16 honey exporting countries in the world in the period 2018-2021 using World Bank data, based on the specific indicators Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA), Comparative Export Performance Index (CEP) and Trade Balance Index (TBI). The results showed that in 2021, New Zealand, Argentina, Ukraine, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Brazil, India, Spain, Vietnam, Poland and Mexico had a comparative advantage, while EU, China and Germany have a comparative disadvantage in the international honey market. A strong comparative advantage belongs to New Zealand, Argentina, Ukraine, Hungary and Romania, and partially to Greece, a moderate comparative advantage belongs to Brazil, India, Spain, Mexico, Vietnam and Greece in specific years, a weak comparative advantage belongs to Poland, Vietnam, China and Spain in specific years, and finally, China, EU and Germany are disadvantaged. The highest RSCA is characteristic to New Zealand, Argentina, Ukraine, Greece, Hungary, Romania and Brazil. New Zealand has the highest CEP against EU, China, Germany, and the smallest CEP versus Brazil, Romania, Hungary, Greece and mainly Ukraine. New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine, Hungary, Mexico, followed by India and Vietnam have a high TBI being net exporting countries. EU, Germany, Poland had a negative TBI, reflecting that they are net importers and also Greece in 2018. As any country desires to be more competitive, exports and imports have to be kept under control, larger amounts to be available to be sold at the best price and the geographic area of influence to be extended looking for new trade partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper emphasizes the importance of subsidizing agricultural activities, taking into account the climate changes that are more and more evident making agricultural holdings particularly vulnerable from an economic point of view, the most exposed being the small ones. The technical-economic the economic-financial analysis methods drew a technical-economic diagnosis of a small-scale vegetable farm in Romania, in order to highlight the major impact that subsidies have in achieving incomes that ensure the continuity of the activity. The vegetable farm under study was established in 2018, being included in the category of micro-enterprises paying income tax. It owns agricultural land exclusively on lease, the existing crops being those of wheat, corn, alfalfa, bell peppers and melons, with average productions/ha achieved similar to or below the average productions/ha recorded at national, regional and county level. From an economic and financial point of view, this holding presents a financial instability during the analysis period, based on the losses recorded in 2018 and 2020 and a non-compliant financial autonomy based on insufficient equity capital. It does not have the ability to generate constant profit during the period included in the study by capitalizing on production, it being small and insufficient, which denotes the major dependence on the income from exploitation subsidies in order to be profitable. Liquidity indicators evolve fluctuating and solvency is generally downward and positioned above the safety threshold, which places small-scale vegetable farms at risk of insolvency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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 purpose was to assess the impact of climate change on wheat, maize and sunflower yield in the period 2017-2021, using statistical data from National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and National Administration of Meteorology (NAM) and other sources. Comparison method was used to evaluate the deviations between the registered air temperatures and precipitations and the 1981-2010 climatological norm. Graphic method reflected the dynamics of monthly air temperatures and rainfalls in each year. Descriptive statistics for mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation reflected an more comprehensive image upon air temperature, precipitations and yield. Correlations and regression equations were used to establish the intensity of the kinks between climate factors and yield. The highest average air temperature In Romania was 12.130C in 2019. In the period 2017-2020, the average annual temperatures exceeded the climatological norm 1981-2010 accounting for 9.10C. The lowest rainfalls, 614.2 mm, were recorded in 2019, being below of 633.1 mm the norm for the period 1981-2010. The high temperatures associated with drought and low precipitations have deeply affected yield of many agricultural crops, including maize, wheat and sunflower. The highest wheat yield 4,888 kg/ha was achieved in 2017, and the lowest one, 2,966 kg/ha in 2020. Maize registered the highest performance of 7,644 kg/ha in 2018, and the lowest one, 3,977 kg/ha in 2020. Sunflower carried out the high performance 3,041 kg/ha in 2018, and the lowest one, 1,858 kg/ha in 2020. The worst agricultural years for these three crops was 2020, but 2017 favored wheat, while 2018 favored maize and sunflower. The correlation coefficient had in general small values between average temperature and yield, but a higher link with precipitations level. The multiple correlation between yield, air temperatures and precipitations was: r= 0.817 for wheat, r = 0.116 for maize and r = 0.504 for sunflower. In the South Eastern Dobrogea, the driest area in Romania, the rainfalls declined by 65% in the period 2018-2020 having a deep negative impact on sunflower seeds yield, which decreased from 4,282 kg/ha in 2018, to 1,503 kg/ha in 2020. The correlation between precipitations and sunflower yield positive and very strong (r = 0.737). As a conclusion, the climate conditions should be analyzed in each farm and farmers have to take measure to adapt the technologies for sustaining production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper purpose was to analyze the present situation of the mountain areas in Romania from a sociodemographic, economic and environmental point of view in order to identify the main positive and negative aspects and to establish what objectives and measures have to be considered for assuring the sustainable development of the mountain regions in the coming future. The statistical data provided by Eurostat, FAO, National Institute of Statistics and National Agency for Mountain Areas were statistically processed in their dynamics using trend regression equations, graphical illustration and comparisons. The results pointed out that the Carpathians cover 37.8% of Romania's area and are predominantly rural. The share of the mountain municipalities is just 37.8%(12th position in Europe), the residents account for 5.53 million (6th position) meaning 25% in the total population (11th position), agriculture (mainly animal growing) and forestry are the main activities. In 2021, in the mountain regions there were registered 3,147 producers who carried out 1,164 mountain products, the highest weight belonging to vegetal, dairy and beekeeping products whose sale was assured by 135 Local Gastronomic Points. The contribution of the mountain areas to GDP was Euro 48.7 million, for which Romania came on the 8th position among other European countries. The actual challenges the mountain areas are facing are: the decline and aging of the population, migration of young people to the cities, weak infrastructure, livestock decrease, grasslands degradation, weak promotion of mountain products, lack of connectivity and communication between settlements, a low valorization of the natural and human resources. In consequence, as the Mountain Law provides, it is needed a new approach regarding the development of the mountain economy by valorizing in a more effective way all the resources, paying attention to the diversification of the activities, creating new jobs, stimulating entrepreneurship to increase production (agriculture, forestry, handicrafts etc) and encourage more services (education, medical, cultural, tourism, trade, credit etc), facilities for supporting young people to remain in the localities of origin, improving infrastructure (roads, bridges, houses and village restoration, connectivity to IT and mobile network, digitalization etc), involving both the local authorities and all the residents to intensify their efforts to support the mountain areas in their way to a sustainable development upwards 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the EU's livestock and animal production in the decade 2012-2021 using the Eurostat data which were statistically processed using dynamics and structural indices and regression equations. The results pointed out that the EU livestock declined by about 9%, so that in 2021, it numbered 77.54 million bovines, 142.73 million pigs, 63.23 million sheep and 12.45 million goats. EU had 5.7 million animal holdings in 2016, by -37.6% less than in 2005, representing 54.28% of the total number of the EU farms. The highest number of bovines are reared in France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Poland, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Romania. While their number decreased in France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Romania, in Ireland, Spain, Poland and Italy it increased. Pigs are mainly grown in Spain, Germany, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Belgium and Romania. While in Spain and Denmark it recorded an upward trend, in Germany, France, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Belgium and Romania pig number declined. Sheep are especially reared in Spain, Greece, Romania, France, and Italy. The sheep number increased by 14% only in Romania, while in the other countries it decreased. Goats number increased in Italy, Romania and France, while in Greece and Spain it registered a downward tendency. Animal output volume and value registered an increasing trend. Milk production increased by +10.3% reaching 160.14 million tonnes in 2020, of which 70% is produced by Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Romania and Austria. Meat production accounted for 43.92 million tonnes in 2021, being by 11.50% higher than in 2012. In its structure, 52.3% is pork, 31% is poultry meat, 15.5% is beef and veal and 1.2 % comes from sheep and goats. France and Germany are the largest meat producing countries. Beef is mainly produced in France, Germany and Spain, poultry in Poland and France, pork in Germany, Spain and France, sheep meat in Spain, France, Ireland and Greece and goat meat in Greece and Spain. In 2021, the animal output value accounted for Euro 162.81 million being by 7.1% higher than in 2012. France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Ireland and Denmark contributes by 70%. In the future it is expected to continue the decline in livestock, the increase of yield and its quality, farmers paying more attention to organic farming, animal health and welfare, food quality and security and also to environment protection and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The paper analyzed 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]