Daniel Constantin, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses the sector’s key role in the Romania economy. He also highlights the strong growth potential and investment appeal of Romanian agriculture.
European Times: How important is agriculture to Romania’s economy?
Daniel Constantin: Agriculture is the main driver of the Romanian economy, accounting for 6% of the country’s GDP compared to the EU average of around 1.7%. Romania’s agriculture sector has great potential thanks to our fertile soil, temperate climate and extensive agricultural areas covering around 62% of the country’s surface. In 2013, the agriculture sector received around €2.7 billion in public-sector support through subsidies and rural-development initiatives and achieved a positive trade balance for the first time in two decades.
European Times: What are some of Romania’s top agricultural products?
Daniel Constantin: In 2013, Romania was the biggest producer of corn in the EU and the third-biggest producer of sunflowers and wheat. Romania also produces excellent fruits, vegetables and wine and has become a leader in organic food products. Romania was named “country of the year” at last year’s BIOFACH fair in Nuremberg. Romania has ideal conditions for organic agriculture since our soil has received little chemical treatments for the past 20 years.
European Times: What are some of the challenges the agriculture sector faces?
Daniel Constantin: We need to upgrade our irrigation systems using environmentally friendly technologies. With the right investment and technologies we should be able to irrigate around 1.5 million hectares of arable land. We also want to continue to upgrade and support organic agriculture, and we need to step up our promotion of Romania’s agricultural products. We are focusing more and more on supporting small and medium-sized farms, including young farmers and family farms. We are also working to develop agricultural associations.
European Times: What is your personal message to potential investors and partners?
Daniel Constantin: Romania has a strong tradition in the agricultural sector, extensive fertile land, qualified human resources, financial support for rural infrastructure, agricultural subsidies, and superior-quality agricultural products. The sector’s very positive results in 2013 demonstrate the potential of agriculture in Romania. With the correct policies and financial support, Romania’s agriculture sector will play an even bigger role in the EU. Local and foreign investors can be sure that the Romanian agricultural sector is a winning bet. The government of Romania will continue to create opportunities and the right conditions for investors to evolve in a dynamic sector that is still far from reaching its full potential.
