Romania takes first place in EU in terms of the amount of agricultural holdings and is one of EIT Food’s RIS countries

Agriculture as Romania’s economic backbone

The agriculture sector in Romania accounts for 5.3 % of the total national Gross Value Added and constitutes circa 29.4% of the total employment. The country is on the first place in the European Union in terms of the amount of agricultural holdings and on the second place in terms of the agricultural population. Distinctive soil and climate conditions of Romania favour diversified production.

Room for Improvement

The Romanian agriculture remains insufficiently mechanized and water withdrawals remain at high level. The R&D sector lacks investments. In 2015, Romania spent around 0.5% of its GDP on scientific research, which represents one of the lowest scientific budgets in Europe. EIT Food can foster Romania’s innovation by creating connections within Europe and supporting the mechanisation of the agrifood sector.

EIT Food Hub in Romania: Satean

Satean is a nonprofit organization that operates as a Regional Development Agency and as a Vocational Educational Training. It is a training provider authorized and recognised by the Romanian Employment Ministry (Agency CNFPA). It has an extensive and long-lasting experience in the management of EU funds. In its activities it creates an important bridge between academic/educational world and labour market. Satean is located in Braila and operates within the whole Romanian territory.