English Version - United Nations Development Programme Romania
English Version - United Nations Development Programme Romania
English Version - United Nations Development Programme Romania
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In 1998, agricultural production had a net added value, adjusted for inflation, of 52,764.2 billion<br />
lei, and it constituted 15,6% of the GDP. The value of exported agricultural products was $381 million,<br />
of which $266 million was the value of exported foodstuffs and livestock.<br />
The deficiencies of the agricultural system, which have led to a decrease in output, are mainly<br />
caused by the following factors:<br />
Lack of a viable agricultural exploitation due to the various types of ownership, and deficient<br />
management and use of the agricultural resources; these should sized and organised so as to be able to<br />
utilise ecologically and economically efficient techniques and technologie s.<br />
The lack of systems and structures of agricultural production capable to ensure the cultivation of<br />
crops commensurate with the existing ecological and technological conditions and possibilities;<br />
Lack of a functioning market for industrial inputs;<br />
Increasing gap between the prices of industrial and agricultural products;<br />
Lack of capital funds in most agricultural enterprises;<br />
Inefficient system of financial support for producers;<br />
Farmers have to deal with suppliers and distributors that have established monopolies;<br />
Insufficient development and consulting services for farmers;<br />
Lack of adequate protective policies in favour of the farmers and agricultural enterprises with regard<br />
to the production and sale of domestic products on the domestic and foreign markets.<br />
b) Policies and measures for the sustainable development of agriculture in <strong>Romania</strong><br />
In <strong>Romania</strong>, agriculture is the most important branch of the economy. Given the fact that<br />
<strong>Romania</strong> has the appropriate natural and socio-economic conditions for the development of agriculture,<br />
this branch of the economy is considered a national strategic priority.<br />
Some points in support of this strategic priority:<br />
Having in view the large agricultural areas and the soil quality, <strong>Romania</strong>'s potential for agricultural<br />
production is among the highest in Europe;<br />
A high percentage of the population working in agriculture and living in the rural areas;<br />
Significant contribution of agriculture to the GDP;<br />
The beautiful scenery of the rural areas will help develop tourism as an important economic sector.<br />
Measures to be taken in order to further develop <strong>Romania</strong>'s agriculture:<br />
Creation of viable systems and structures for the organisation, production and management of<br />
agricultural crops. These systems should be appropriate for the application of technology and<br />
techniques that correspond to specific ecological conditions and different forms of property.<br />
Structural adjustment of agricultural production, appropriate for the potential of financial and<br />
agricultural resources, could be achieved by creating structures that are appropriate for the different<br />
branches and sub-branches of agriculture.<br />
The domestic production of agricultural machinery should be strongly encouraged in order to supply<br />
the agricultural sector with the necessary equipment;<br />
Creation and implementation of economic and financial mechanism and systems, corresponding to<br />
domestic and foreign competitive requirements which are also compatible to PAC of the E.U.;<br />
Equitable adjustment of the ratio between the prices of the agricultural and industrial products;<br />
Adequate policies in order to stimulate, support and protect the agricultural producers;<br />
Elimination of the monopoly held by firms that supply farmers or distribute agricultural products;<br />
Incentive measures for the diversification of crops and increased added value of the agricultural<br />
production;<br />
Introduction of professional certification for farmers and persons doing agricultural-related jobs;<br />
Improved access to agricultural-related information, application of the results obtained by the<br />
agricultural research and introduction of a better development system as well as adequate consulting<br />
in the field;<br />
Promoting the reorganisation and efficient operation of research centres in the agricultural and food<br />
industries;<br />
Reconsidering the amount of budget funds allocated for research in agriculture, according to the role<br />
and importance of agriculture in the general context of the national economy and the development of<br />
a well-organised system for the material endowment of the research centres in the field of agriculture<br />
and food industry;<br />
Restructuring and reorganisation of agricultural training at all levels, to meet the present requirements<br />
of sustainable development.<br />
The application of these measures requires legislative changes, as well as the creation and<br />
implementation of certain studies and projects.<br />
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