The role of agricultural cooperatives in the agri-food chain is closely linked to their ability to intervene between the farm and the market. According to Eurostat, in Western European countries cooperatives manage over 50% of the marketing of agricultural production, directly contributing to the stabilization of farmers’ incomes.

In Romania, the share of cooperatives in marketing is marginal. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) indicate that most cooperatives are focused on administrative services or input procurement, without their own storage, sorting, or processing infrastructure. In the absence of these links, value added remains outside the farm.

The economic impact is visible. Without storage capacity and collective bargaining power, farmers are forced to sell during periods of price pressure. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), seasonal price differences for cereals can exceed 20–25%, and the lack of functional cooperatives amplifies the loss of value.

For 2026, cooperatives become relevant only if they invest in infrastructure and professional management. In their absence, they remain administrative structures with no real impact on farmers’ profitability.

(Photo: Freepik)