Increasing labour productivity is frequently cited as a solution to labour shortages in agriculture. Eurostat data show that labour productivity in Romanian agriculture remains below 50% of the European Union average, despite investments in mechanisation and digitalisation.

Technology has improved efficiency per hectare, but it has not eliminated dependence on the human factor. Modern machinery requires skilled personnel for operation, maintenance, and decision-making. In the absence of such skills, the return on investment declines significantly.

During the 2024–2025 period, farms that invested in high-performance equipment but failed to secure a stable workforce recorded operational costs above projected levels. Sector analyses indicate that a lack of skills can reduce machinery efficiency by 10–20%, eroding the anticipated economic benefits.

Looking ahead to 2026, labour productivity must be addressed as the result of a balance between technology and human resources. Without investment in vocational training and staff retention, mechanisation remains underutilised.

(Photo: Freepik)