The structure of agricultural holdings in Romania continues to reflect the dual nature of the agricultural sector. According to data from Eurostat and the National Institute of Statistics, Romania accounts for approximately 31% of all agricultural holdings in the European Union, the majority of which are small farms of less than 5 hectares.

At the same time, a significant share of the agricultural land is operated by large or very large farms, with a high level of mechanization and technological integration. This polarization creates substantial differences in productivity and economic efficiency.

At the European level, the average size of an agricultural holding exceeds 17 hectares, while in Romania the average remains below 4 hectares. This fragmentation limits investment capacity, access to modern technologies, and the integration of farmers into commercial supply chains.

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) seeks to address this issue through support instruments dedicated to small and medium-sized farms, as well as through measures that encourage association and economic cooperation. The consolidation of holdings can lead to greater efficiency, lower costs, and faster adaptation to technological changes.

However, the consolidation process also raises questions regarding the social structure of rural areas. Romanian agriculture still plays an important role in employment and in maintaining rural communities. The balance between economic efficiency and rural cohesion therefore becomes one of the main challenges for agricultural policies in the coming decade.

(Photo: Freepik)