The cost of agricultural inputs continues to be a decisive factor for farm profitability. According to Eurostat – Agricultural Price Indices 2024, fertilizer prices have decreased compared to the peak reached in 2022 but remain 20–30% above the average for the 2018–2020 period. In Romania, the same trends are reflected in INS data, which show a moderation but not a full return to pre-crisis levels.

Prices for pesticides and certified seeds remain stable, with moderate variations at the European level. However, logistic costs and volatility in grain markets indirectly influence farm expenditures. DG AGRI, in its 2024 analysis on farm competitiveness, highlights that inputs account for 40–60% of total expenses in crop farms, making their optimization essential.

In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) recommends adopting variable-rate fertilization technologies based on productivity maps and soil analyses. Farms that apply fertilizers in a differentiated manner reduce consumption by 10–15%, according to European evaluations, without affecting production.

Efficient management of inputs is becoming a strategic priority. In a period marked by economic uncertainties, farms that optimize consumption and adopt precision technologies have the highest chances of maintaining profitability.

(Photo: Freepik)