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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.

This study investigates the factors influencing pricing in Romanian rural tourism using a hedonic pricing model through a hybrid LASSO-OLS regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR). By analyzing data from 5028 unique accommodation units across 1170 local administrative units, we identify some key pricing determinants, including accommodation size, capacity, facilities, and environmental attributes. The results reveal that larger accommodations and those with higher guest capacities command higher prices. Luxurious facilities, such as massage services, pools, and fireplaces, significantly increase pricing, although the impact of such features varies by region, as do accommodation type and natural scenery, with agritouristic boarding houses and proximity to natural attractions like water bodies and forests being more valued in certain regions. These factors can aid rural entrepreneurs in optimizing pricing to enhance competitiveness and profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze the significant changes within the European beverage industry between 2011 and 2020. This period was characterized by a complex interplay of economic, technological, and socio-cultural factors that influenced the sector. During this decade, there were notable shifts in employment structures, market trends, production innovations, and responses to both global and regional economic challenges. Different national strategies led to workforce expansion in Malta and reductions in Poland and Denmark. Technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and increased awareness of sustainability prompted strategic adaptations, production restructuring, and the creation of new market segments. Significant changes in the top 10 countries by the number of active companies include growth in Spain, France, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The financial performance across countries such as Germany, Italy, and Romania highlight a dynamic and evolving market landscape. This analysis underscores the resilience and adaptability of the European beverage industry in the face of varying national responses and market conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article is to achieve a centralization of educational units with a specific focus on the trend of student enrolled in different forms of education versus the number of graduates since 1990. The importance of this article is given both by the historical context of this period, being characterized by the fall of the communist regime and the start of the reform processes in all fields, including education, following that from 2007, with Romania's accession to the European Union, the education system should benefit the implementation of funding programs from the European Social Fund (ESF), placing more emphasis on education in rural areas in Romania. It was also aimed at analyzing the results recorded in reducing educational gaps between rural and urban environments, as well as the impact on the socio-economic development of rural communities. In conclusion, recommendations will be proposed to optimize the efficiency of the implementation of ESF financing programs, for the purpose of rural education and supporting sustainable rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to analyze the development of rural tourism in Europe and the tourist specifics of countries with renowned destinations, focusing on the impact of COVID-19 from 2019 to 2022 and its influence on tourism trends. By utilizing data and documentation from the pandemic period, we aim to identify emerging trends in Europe and evaluate the sector's ability to recover to pre-pandemic levels. The analysis and conclusions are inevitably shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic period, with its effects compared against specified parameters. The statistical analysis, utilizing specific indices, shows that the pandemic had a negative impact on tourism activities, resulting in significant declines and underscoring the sector's vulnerability during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At a time when expert analysts states that one of the main reasons why Romanian agriculture has been going through a major crisis for more than a decade is the labor crisis in agriculture, this article will examine the evolution of the areas cultivated with major crops and of the agricultural labor force from 2018 to 2022. The study will cover the entire country, the 8 development regions, and the 7 counties within the South-Muntenia development region, also indicating the total area under main crops per person employed in agriculture during the reference period. To create this article, statistical data have been analyzed using the data from the National Institute of Statistics of Romania, TEMPO Online database, and using both descriptive and inferential statistics. In the year 2022, the area cultivated with the main crops in Romania slightly exceeded 8 million hectares. In the same year, out of 7.8 million people with an income-generating occupation, only about 11% of these people had an occupation in agriculture, thus a person employed in agriculture had a little over 9 ha of the total cultivated area with the main cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agri-food sector stands as a fundamental pillar of the European Union's economic framework, essential for sustaining the region's population and playing a significant role in the overall economic health and stability of the EU. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of labor productivity trends in the EU's agri-food sector over the past decade, focusing on a comparative assessment between Romania and top-performing EU economies. Using data from Eurostat and national databases, we explore the dynamics of labor productivity, considering factors such as turnover, number of enterprises, and employment levels in the agri-food industry. The research reveals significant disparities in productivity growth, with countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium showing high productivity levels, while Romania, despite a notable improvement, remains below the EU average. The study underscores the importance of strategic investments and policy interventions in boosting productivity and competitiveness in the agri-food sector across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the key role sustainability plays in the agricultural sector and its impact on local communities. With climate change and economic challenges on the rise, it is vital to focus on sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and well-functioning ecosystems. Throughout the article we highlight global and local initiatives that encourage sustainable agriculture, as well as the benefits to the environment and society, highlighting our shared responsibility to future generations, highlighting collaboration between farmers, communities, governments and international organizations. For the representativeness of what will be presented we use the creative platform Canva, the basic statistical information comes from the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and FAOSTAT, the descriptive analysis is performed using the advanced tools offered by Microsoft Excel 365 and in addition to standard reference sources, we have also consulted recognized specialized websites, thus strengthening our perspective and providing readers with up-to-date and verified information. The purpose of this review is to examine the depth and breadth of the implications of sustainability in the context of agricultural work, highlighting the complex interconnections between agricultural practices, the environment and society. In conclusion, this article highlights the need for a collective and integrated approach to achieving sustainability goals in agriculture and building a more resilient and balanced future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study provides an in-depth analysis of employment trends within the European Union's meat processing industry over a ten-year period, from 2011 to 2020. It specifically focuses on companies across various employee size categories, emphasizing Romania's position within these dynamics. The research employs comprehensive data from Eurostat, assessing changes in the labour force across different company sizes and countries. The study uncovers notable variances in labour force evolution, reflecting the distinct impacts of economic conditions, industry-specific factors, and regulatory frameworks in each nation. Germany exhibited a significant rise in its labour force in larger companies, while Spain showed the highest growth rate, more than doubling its labour force in this sector. Contrarily, Poland experienced a minor decrease, illustrating a different trend. Italy and Romania both marked considerable growths, with Romania demonstrating notable progress, particularly in larger companies. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of labour dynamics in the EU meat processing industry, influenced by a complex interplay of market demand, technological advancements, and economic policies. The study underscores the sector's essential role in the EU's economy and the need for adaptable labour force strategies in response to changing industry landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food loss ans waste, referred next as FLW, has a great extent on the economic and behavioural patterns of consumption. In this paper, we aim to present statistical univariate and multivariate analyses based on a statistical study run during a period of several months in the Romanian territory. In this matter, the main purpose of the analysis developed in this paper is to determine several patterns of FLW phenomenon. This is made based on a methodology which comprises two main sections: the univariate analysis, consisting in statistical determinations of indicators and direct observation, and the multivariate analysis, related to the clustering analysis. The clustering analysis is based on the usage of hierarchical method, which has as final result the determination of clusters describing patterns of consumption related to food loss and waste. After the analysis was run, five main clusters related to food waste behaviour patterns were determined, with slight differences between food consumption habits, but with various combinations between the parameters taken into consideration. The obtained clusters offer important information for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to customize interventions and programs to target specific demographic groups or segments of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop management in the Romanian agriculture faces many risks and challenges that directly influence the technical and economic performance of the farms and implicitly the sustainability of the agricultural sector. These challenges range from climate change to resource issues, from plant health problems to market and regulatory issues. It is therefore essential to understand these issues in detail to develop effective crop management strategies and support Romanian agriculture in the face of a complex and changing environment. Through methods of statistical analyses and bibliographic documentation, we will identify and analyze this risks and challenges in detail in order to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the agricultural landscape in Romania in order to develop some necessary measures to reduce and, as far as possible, eliminate these risks. Data were collected from public institutions, from the official National Institute of Statistics, NIS, website Tempo-Online. The aim of crop management in Romania, as in any other country, is to ensure efficient, sustainable and profitable agricultural production. By adopting these recommendations and proactively addressing risks and challenges, agriculture in Romania can become more resilient and sustainable, further ensuring the supply of high-quality food and contributing to the country's economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romania's biodiversity is a natural treasure, offering a vast array of species and ecosystems, but faces increasing threats from human activities and climate change. Education, awareness and conservation of biodiversity are key to protecting this priceless biological diversity. In this article, through statistical methods of analysis, we aim to explore the role of education and awareness in the conservation of Romania's biodiversity, highlighting initiatives and efforts to promote public understanding and commitment to protecting the environment and unique species. This analysis allowed us to identify relevant patterns, trends and conclusions related to biodiversity education, awareness and conservation in Romania. Protecting Romania's biodiversity is therefore not only a necessity for the environment, but also for society, the economy and human well-being. Biodiversity conservation is essential for our well-being and the health of the planet, and it is our responsibility to act on it. We will explore the importance of education in schools and universities, the role of NGOs and government actions, and their impact on biodiversity conservation in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil is one of the Earth's most precious resources and is essential to sustaining life on our planet. However, soils are increasingly subject to degradation due to intensive agricultural practices, deforestation, pollution and climate change. Conserving soil and preventing soil degradation has become imperative in our efforts to ensure food security, protect biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems. Impact strategies are essential to maintain soil fertility, prevent soil erosion and degradation, conserve water and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the aim of the research is to explore the impact of key conservation strategies and practices that can be adopted to protect soils and ensure their long-term sustainability. Data were collected from public institutions, from the official National Institute of Statistics, NIS, website Tempo-Online and the National Land Improvement Administration. Implementing soil conservation strategies is essential to protect the environment, ensure the sustainability of the food system and maintain the ecological balance of our planet. Soil conservation is a vital component of sustainable development and environmental protection in Romania. Through effective implementation of conservation strategies and stakeholder involvement, the country can protect the essential resource of soil with a positive impact for future generations. The strategic elements and techniques discussed in this article contribute to maintaining ecological balance and conserving natural resources for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romania has an agriculture in which approximately 37% of the population carries out their activity, with approximately 3 million plots, whose average surface is 1.5 ha, a fact that acutely requires the organization of farmers in associative forms, in order to modernize this important economic branch. Starting from these considerations, we analyszed, using the survey method based on a questionnaire, in 3 communes from Călărași county, the situation of farmers, on a structured sample based on the information taken from the Agricultural Register of the town halls, with a number of 238 respondents, having as its main objective the identification and drawing of development directions for small farmers, starting from the situation highlighted by means of processed and analyzed statistical data, but also by applying the opinion survey among small farmers. In order to evaluate the correlation of two important variables in the questionnaire, respectively, the farmer age and the farm size, the chisquare test was used, a test of statistical significance, through which we analyzed the frequencies for the measurable variables, on a nominal or ordinal scale. The possibility of association with other owners of farms in order to develop was analyzed: for the use of the land, the possibility of association being accepted by 46.2% of the respondents; for the association for the purpose of joint use of agricultural machinery, more than 33% support this possibility; for the valorization of agricultural products, over 30% want association with other farmers; 37% would associate for the joint rearing of animals; 34.5% want an association for the processing of agricultura products, 34.5% are followers of this association. We conclude that the organization of agricultural producers in associative forms opens new opportunities for economic development, by attracting local, zonal or regional advantages, and through collective bargaining power to increase the prosperity of the associated members and the communities they belong to. We also appreciate that among the factors of progress for the sustainable development of agriculture and the rural environment, an important place is occupied by the establishment and development of efficient associative structures, which contribute to the socio-economic stabilization of rural areas by favoring the development of agrarian structures integrated with market flows and economically efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices, this study highlights a detailed bibliometric analysis regarding the intersection between sustainability and profitability in conventional and ecological farming. While the ecological farming model clearly emerges as a frontrunner in terms of sustainability, profitability assessments present challenges due to varying regional costs, lack of standardized metrics, and shortterm versus long-term value evaluations. Drawing from international sources and top-tier academic literature, the article reveals prevailing trends as well as under-researched areas in the field of agricultural research. The results indicate a clear acknowledgment of the benefits of ecological farming from a sustainability standpoint. However, the paper discusses the challenges related to assessing the profitability of these practices and identifying the most efficient strategies for supporting and expanding alternative farming systems. Thus, it underscores the imperative of a multidisciplinary perspective for deep understanding and informed action in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of rising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact, this article focuses on analyzing two remarkable agricultural systems in the South-West Oltenia Development Region: the conventional and the ecological, and emphasizes one of the foundational crops for the region, wheat. The research was derived from a comprehensive questionnaire applied on 18 farms in the South-West Oltenia region: half of them employing ecological practices and the other half using conventional methods. Our primary focus was to determine the most economically viable agricultural system for the area. Through this analysis, the article not only illustrates the evolution of this crop's production from 2020 to 2022, but also provides insights into production costs and their valorization in the market. Moreover, it underscores the importance and advantages of each agricultural system, highlighting potential long-term benefits from both economic and sustainable perspectives. To provide a solid and well-grounded analysis, statistical methods were employed, combined with data obtained fromthe questionnaire administered directly at the farm level in the region. This methodology offers a clear perspective on the profitability and efficiency of the two agricultural systems in the specific context of South-West Oltenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain a good yield and high profitability for the winter wheat crop, a good interaction between the plant and the environment is needed for carrying out a strategic planning of the best agricultural practices. The most representative ones aim at the choice of varieties with genetic characteristics and high production capacity, the application of an optimal level of fertilization and the integrated fight against pathogens, which are key factors that contribute to increasing the productivity and quality of wheat harvests. The paper presents the analysis of the yield and profitability of the wheat crop in three large crop farms of different sizes in Romania. From the analysis carried out, in order to reach the profitability threshold, the following results were highlighted: on the farm of 60 ha, in the year 2021, on a cultivated area of 35.5 ha, the total production realized and sold must be 214.41 tons; on the farm of 600 ha, the cultivated area being 86 ha, the total production obtained and sold must be 514.24 tons; on the 3,000 ha farm, which had a cultivated area of 709.62 ha, the total cultivated and sold production must be 4,209.48 tons. It is necessary to specify the fact that in 2019 and 2020 the profitability threshold could not be reached, in most cases. This situation was due to drought, high production costs and low farm gate prices. The conclusion of the study is that the profitability of the winter wheat crop is difficult to be increased, taking into account the high and growing production expenses registered annually by farmers. In this situation, the increase in farm dependence on subsidies to ensure a favourable raw product for the winter wheat crop has clearly emerged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal husbandry is a traditional activity and an important source of income in the hilly and mountainous areas of Romania, which also supports secular activities in these places. In the context of the EU directives, animal husbandry must be combined with environmental protection actions without losing its importance and traditional elements. The Common Agricultural Policy 2021-2027 through the National Rural Development Programme offers broad support to the livestock sector, but also imposes certain restrictions, as manure from animal husbandry has a negative impact on soil and underground waters through nitrite and nitrate pollution. The article analyses the dynamics of cattle and sheep and goat herds from Romania's mountain area in the period 2015-2021 and the annual amounts of manure that can be obtained from these species. Some methods of using polluting products from animal husbandry are presented, such as using them in biogas plants and obtaining fertilizers from processed manure, which can contribute to the sustainable development of rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas in Romania are affected by the significant lack of infrastructure and its deficiencies that have a deep impact both on the economic development and quality of life. According to the latest statistics, 42% of Romania population lives in villages. In the south of the country, 58% of the total population lives in the countryside, being the highest percentage compared to the other regions. Starting from this state of facts, in this study, we set out to make an x-ray of the social-economic profile of the rural environment in Călăraşi county by analyzing the structure and evolution of the number of agricultural companies, the cultivated area, the associative forms from the county, the labor resources employed in agriculture, but also the transport, education and health infrastructure. The analysis of the rural profile of Călăraşi county aims to formulate solutions and proposals in creating concrete conditions regarding the functionality of a socio-economic environment favorable to the consolidation of a sustainable and multifunctional development of the rural space. As research methods, we collected and descriptively analyzed statistical data, studied technical documents and specialized bibliography, and to analyze the state of the county's rural environment, we proceeded to develop a SWOT analysis. The overall analysis of the components of the rural area reveals that the prospects for the development of rural communities are affected by the economic, social and infrastructural backwardness of the rural area of Călăraşi County, but at the same time it has considerable advantages, as presented in the SWOT analysis, whose capitalization will have a significant impact on the future economic and social development of the rural area of the county. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to analyze the evolution of the areas cultivated in the conventional system, comparing the data at European and at the national level. With a solid foundation in analyzing data obtained from various agricultural organizations, this study aims to elucidate current trends and provide an in-depth understanding of how conventional agriculture is changing. The analysis regards the year 2020 for which Eurostat provided data which were used for identifying similarities and differences between different EU member states exploring the potential reasons for these variations. By analyzing these trends, the article seeks to identify the impact of conventional agriculture on the environment and human health, as well as how agricultural practices are changing to become more sustainable and less harmful. The conclusion is that agricultural structure of the countries of the European Union is extremely diverse, reflecting the traditions, economy, geographical conditions, agricultural policy and many other aspects specific to each member state. It is obviously needed to continue and intensify efforts for increasing farm size, modernizing technical endowment and improving efficiency in the agricultural sector in the EU, especially in countries with a high share of small farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this article is to analyze the progression of organic farming at the European level, with emphasis on trends and changes in the cultivated area under this system. The article seeks to underscore the significance and benefits associated with organic farming, particularly in response to the detrimental effects of conventional agriculture on the environment and human health, and to provide relevant information for the promotion and adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture. In light of extensive research, agricultural experts have acknowledged the adverse environmental and health consequences of conventional agriculture over the course of several decades. Consequently, they have embraced organic farming, which draws inspiration from traditional farming methods spanning thousands of years. By employing statistical analysis and utilizing data from reputable sources, the study highlights the increasing prevalence of organic farming across Europe, specifically exploring the perspective of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collection and recycling of plastics, in which crop protection products are stored, has become a priority both in the European Union and at the national level. Therefore, a whole series of projects have been initiated to collect packaging from farmers. This paper aims to analyze the quantities placed on the market by the plant protection industry, as well as the collection and recycling of packaging, meanwhile identifying a correlation between the quantities of pesticides used in Romania, the quantities placed on the market, and those collected. The quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis, the analysis of statistical indicators (mean and standard deviation), as well as the Pearson correlation coefficient was used. The results indicate a strong link between the number of pesticides used and the amount of packaging resulting from the use of plant protection products. Fluctuations in the amount of packaging collected are driven by the involvement of farmers in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of sustainable development appeared in the attempt to reconcile agri-food production with measures to conserve non-renewable resources, but also the attempt to protect the environment, and in this process the farmer has an important role given the effects that specific activities have so much on the environment. Because of this, more and more actors involved in this process, from farmers to consumers, but also politicians have begun to pay more attention to organic farming, as an advantageous means of reconciliation between man and nature. In this paper we aim to analyze the production costs recorded in six crops, both in the case of applying the conventional production system and in the case of applying the ecological system in Romania, in order to determine the profitability of those crops. The research methodology involved the use of existing data in domestic and international databases, but also data collected through the project ADER 23.1.1. Technical and economic substantiation of the production costs and estimates regarding the capitalization prices of the main vegetal and animal products, obtained in conventional system and in ecological agriculture, data that were processed, analyzed and which formed the basis for formulating conclusions. The conclusion was that sugar beet and sunflower are profitable crops both in the conventional and organic system, while rape, soybean, rice and hemp registered losses which have to be covered by subsidies. Income depends on production performance and selling price, in the both systems, and case of organic products is inversely proportional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the existing situation in Romania, Germany, France, Poland, Hungary and the United Kingdom, European countries cultivating cereals, technical plants and oleaginous plants, in the period 2010-2019, regarding the quantities of fertilizers and plant protection substances This analysis has responded to the requests from farmers' associations regarding the effect of the FARM TO FORK strategy, as a essential element of the European Green Pact, has serious implications within the agricultural sector. Agricultural producers question the survival of the agricultural sector as the implementation of the Farm to Fork strategy will lead to a significant decrease in agricultural production in the EU and an increase in food prices. In the present study, a descriptive research was performed on the situation existing in each studied country, using the bibliographic method but also the processing of statistical data, using the correlational method, this aspect directing the study to a predictive research, thus establishing how the quantities of fertilizers and pesticides used in different crops in the EU member states will be allocated, if the Farm to Fork strategy is applied in the current form, the conclusion being that their reduction should be applied to the European average of consumption in the EU member states [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perhaps one of the most difficult stages in the entire production process is the sale of vegetable production at a price high enough to cover production costs, and especially profitability which is a key factor contributing to the continuation of the activity. In this sense, the present study aims to identify the main ways to capitalize vegetable production of agricultural holdings in Romania. In order to identify the ways of capitalizing the production, a questionnaire was applied to 180 respondents, represented by the managers of some agricultural farms from all over the country. The purpose of the application of this questionnaire was to identify the aspects that hinder the capitalization of vegetable production. According to the study, the majority of farms in Romania are still run or managed by mostly men. At the same time, according to the analyzed sample, young people have the highest share of total respondents, so that the measures pursued through the two Rural Development Programs, namely to rejuvenate generations of farmers, we can say that they have achieved the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for rapeseed oil has led to an increase in cultivated areas and the improvement of rapeseed cultivation techniques. The article analyzed the main technical indicators related to area, total production and average production of rapeseed. A comparative analysis was also carried out for the mentioned indicators, in two distinct periods, delimiting the period before accession and after accession to the European Union. The averages of the two periods were compared, using the Student Test method, and the SPEC Forecast function estimated the area, production and average rapeseed production by 2030. The aim was to identify from a statistical point of view if the averages of the two periods are dependent, as well as to predict the evolution of the main technical indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aimed to identify the methods of promoting agritourism pensions, especially in the field of agritourism pensions in the area of the Apuseni Mountains. Aspects regarding the structure of the promoting way of the agritourism pension are systematically presented according to the development region, the gender and the age of the pension owner. At the same time, the paper evaluates the connection between the promotion on the Internet according to the development region and the classification category of the agritourism pension. It was also necessary to evaluate the link between promotion by participating in tourism fairs organized at regional, national level and the development region. The main research tool, that was the basis for this study, was the questionnaire applied to 110 managers of agritourism pensions in the Apuseni Mountains area. The data presented in the paper fully represent the answers given by the managers of the agritourism pensions mentioned above. Following the analysis, it was found that the most used and useful method of promotion, agreed by most managers is promotion with the help of the Internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health crisis caused by Covid-19 generated, among many other effects, a series of dysfunctions in the agri-food system, respectively in farms, in the supply chains with inputs and agri-food products, at the level of food demand. In the existing context in the Romanian agriculture, with millions of family farms, mostly subsistence and semisubsistence ones, we initiated the present study in Călărași county obtaining information on the main challenges facing family farms during the health crisis and we summarized the farmers' proposals regarding the expectations they have from the local and national authorities in order to ensure the conditions for capitalizing the farm products. The questionnaire was applied in the agri-food markets in Calarasi and Oltenita municipalities, as well as in 9 localities in Călărași county, with a population of over 5,000 inhabitants, where weekly markets and fairs for the exploitation of agri-food products are organized. 61 questionnaires were applied and analyzed, through the survey-interview carried out between June and August 2021. The main challenges they face refer to the change of consumption patterns, blockages in the peasant markets and the increase of online deliveries, syncope in the agriindustrial processing sector, the closure of the firms from HORECA, but also of the schools, canteens, etc. All these challenges had the effect, first of all, of reducing the farmers' income due to the agricultural production decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]