France remains one of the leading agricultural economies in the European Union, both in terms of volume and added value. According to Eurostat data for 2024–2025, France’s total agricultural output consistently exceeds €80 billion annually, while Romania stands at a significantly lower level, around €20–25 billion, depending on the agricultural year.

The difference is not determined solely by surface area or yields, but by value chain integration. France has a strong processing sector, functional cooperatives, and well-established agri-food brands at European level. A larger share of its production is processed domestically before export.

Romania, although it has high agricultural potential, still exports significant volumes of raw materials. This structure reduces the added value captured at national level and exposes farmers to global market volatility.

For 2026, the strategic gap between the two models becomes clear: real competitiveness is measured not only in tons produced, but in euros generated across the entire value chain.

(Photo: Freepik)