The economic structure of a farm of approximately 500 hectares provides a relevant picture of the profitability of commercial agriculture in Romania. Most farms of this type use a classic crop structure: wheat, maize, sunflower, and rapeseed.

Data published by the National Institute of Statistics and market analyses conducted at the European level indicate that average yields in recent years have been approximately 4.5–5 t/ha for wheat, 6–7 t/ha for maize, and 2.5–3 t/ha for sunflower, depending on climatic conditions.

At the average prices observed during 2024–2025—approximately €180–€210 per tonne for wheat, €170–€190 for maize, and €400–€450 for sunflower—the gross revenues of a 500-hectare farm can often exceed €500,000–€650,000 in a normal agricultural year.

However, technological costs remain high. Fertilizers, fuel, crop protection products, mechanized operations, and machinery depreciation can generate total expenses of €700–€1,000 per hectare in commercial farms.

Under these conditions, the net profit of a 500-hectare farm can vary considerably depending on yields and market prices. In favorable agricultural years, economic margins may exceed €150–€250 per hectare, while in weaker years profit may become marginal or even negative.

(Photo: Freepik)