Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Dragoș Gabriel ION, Radu Andrei IOVA

This study examines the evolution of agricultural productivity for two key arable crops: wheat and sunflower cross all 41 Romanian counties (plus the Municipality of Bucharest) by comparing two distinct periods: 1990–2006 and 2007–2023. The analysis aims to quantify changes in crop yields (tonnes per hectare) between the pre and post European Union accession eras, evaluate regional disparities in performance, and assess the consistency and variability of outputs over time. Using official statistics from the Romanian National Institute of Statistics (INS) and summary indicators (period averages, standard deviations, and growth percentages), we find that average wheat yields increased by approximately 40% (from about 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes/ha) and sunflower yields by about 58% (from roughly 1.2 to 1.9 tonnes/ha) between the two periods. These substantial productivity gains are accompanied by notable spatial variability: traditionally high-performing counties – such as Timiș, Călărași, Dolj, and Teleorman – maintained their lead, while several less productive counties (e.g. Botoșani, Vaslui) also improved but continue to lag behind the national average. Variability in yields tended to increase in the latter period, with more pronounced year-to-year fluctuations, likely due to climatic volatility and uneven adoption of modern farming techniques. The findings underscore the impact of post 2007 agricultural policies and investments on crop performance, as well as the enduring influence of structural factors (farm size, infrastructure) and climate. We suggest targeted interventions, including improved irrigation infrastructure, dissemination of advanced agronomic practices, and regions specific support, to enhance productivity in underperforming areas and mitigate the growing yield variability. This comparative regional analysis offers insights for policymakers on how to booster the productivity and resilience of Romanian agriculture in the context of both European integration and climate challenges.

[Read full article] [Citation]