The role of multifunctionality of Agriculture in Romania

Badiceanu Ilinca

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study delves into the impact of Romania's accession to the European Union on the multifunctionality of Romanian agriculture, a pivotal issue in the context of contemporary agricultural policies. The main aim of this research is to analyze the evolution of agriculture's multifunctionality in Romania from 2007 until 2020, focusing on economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this thesis explores the benefits and drawbacks of extending the European Union's Common Agricultural Policies (CAP) to Romania, assessing the effectiveness of the CAP within the specific Romanian context. Furthermore, it reflects on the various institutional definitions of multifunctionality to understand global perspectives on the concept, including the American approach and the agricultural policies of the European Union. The study builds on a critical analysis of the multifaceted dimensions of multifunctionality, encompassing economic, social, and environmental aspects within the Romanian agricultural landscape. Concerning the economic impacts, the findings were that Romania's EU accession introduced its agricultural sector to new markets and standards, but also to significant challenges. Aligning with the Common Agricultural Policies (CAP) opened up opportunities for subsidies and financial support, aiming to modernize and make agriculture more competitive. However, adapting to the high standards required by the EU in terms of food quality and safety was a challenge, particularly for small-scale farmers who often lack the resources to upgrade their practices. Moreover, market liberalization has put traditional Romanian agriculture in competition with imported products, often priced lower, affecting the incomes of local farmers. For the social implications, EU accession has had a profound impact on rural communities in Romania. On one hand, access to new funds has supported rural development, improving infrastructure and services in rural areas. On the other hand, the transition towards a more modern and competitive agriculture has led to a decrease in agricultural employment, forcing many workers to leave the countryside in search of opportunities in cities or abroad. This emmigration has consequences on the demographic and social structure of rural communities, exacerbating the aging population and the decline of some agricultural traditions. On environmental aspects, it is perhaps where the EU has had the most significant impact on Romanian agriculture. European directives on environmental protection and sustainable development have encouraged Romania to adopt more ecological agricultural practices. Efforts to reduce pesticide use, improve water resource management, and promote organic farming have been strengthened. However, the implementation of these sustainable practices is uneven, with significant progress in some regions and delays in others, often related to financial constraints and a lack of awareness.

Keywords

Agriculture, CAP, European Union, Romania, Multifunctionality, Social, Economic, Environment, Rural

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 3. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 30. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: Ing. Pavel Kotyza, Ph.D.
• Reader: Vojtěch Pýcha, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme:
European Agrarian Diplomacy