Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Studies (JARDS)

Foreign Direct Investment in Romania: Impact on the Agro-Food Sector

Silvius Stanciu — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.01

The research proposes an analysis of foreign direct investment in Romania, with a focus on its impact on the agro-food sector. The bibliographic study was conducted using open access publications from online scientific platforms. National Institute of Statistics, EUROSTAT, and FAOSTAT were used for the applied research. The collected information was processed using statistical methods. The modeling of experimental data was carried out with the help of tools provided by Artificial Intelligence. The results were graphically represented and interpreted. Political stability and fiscal predictability are essential for foreign investors. The strategic geographical position, rich natural resources, lower salaries relative to the European average, and free access to the European market made the Romanian agro-food sector attractive for FDI, in the global context of the demand for agro-food products, amid concerns about climate change and food insecurity. FDI inflows in Romania primarily come from the EU, while domestic outflows are insignificant. Services remain unattractive to foreign investors. The impact of FDI varies, reflecting the characteristics of each economic sector. Similar to East Asian countries, in the short term, FDI in agriculture has a negative impact on AWU or Agriculture Value Added. Additional analyses using Big Data, applied to a complex set of economic indicators in agriculture, are necessary for complex research. Monitoring and directing foreign investments towards high value-added services and production are needed for sustainable development. National strategies should focus on developing infrastructure, workforce education, population health, and research & technology transfer in agro-food production.

Industrial Activities vs Agricultural Activities in the Profile of the Regions of the Republic of Moldova

Ina Mogildea — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.02

The study analyses the development of non-agricultural activities in the Republic of Moldova, a region characterized by the strong influence of a polarizing zone, due to the convergence of current and historical socio-economic relations. Urban areas were chosen to develop the methodology for determining the role of non-agricultural activities in regional development. The study proposes to emphasize the polarization potential of some rural regions, to bring to the influence of predominantly urban regions. The non-agricultural rural economy provides the theoretical framework for this analysis, which investigates the complexity of non-agricultural activities. The case study highlights how the urban area polarizes the labour force from the nearby rural area.

Research on GMOs Detailed Analysis of Genetically Modified Corn

Simona-Beatrice Manolache — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.03

The research presents a statistical analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) according to the European Union (EU) Register of GMOs for genetically modified food and feed, with a focus on genetically modified corn. The analysis aims to highlight the current status of indicators recorded in the EU Register and provide the necessary perspective for identifying future directions. The study was conducted based on data provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and interpreted using classical statistical methods. Information from official studies processed from databases such as Clarivate Analytics, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate was accessed for comparative bibliographic documentation. The results showed an increased number of indicators for genetically modified corn. Important aspects were analyzed, including traits such as herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and other genetic modifications that distinguish GM products from conventional ones.

Assessing the Resilience and Adaptability of Romanian Agriculture to Climate Change

Silvius Stanciu — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.04

The research provides an analysis of the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector in Romania. Global warming is a phenomenon currently being acutely felt in our country, with implications for both the population and economic activities. Open access sources from major online scientific databases were used for documentation. The research was conducted using information from national and European statistics. The data were selected, systematized, statistically processed, and interpreted. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events have a significant impact on the Romanian agricultural sector. Among the national measures proposed to mitigate climate change, the study analyzed land improvement works to reduce erosion and soil degradation, the development of irrigation infrastructure, and the planting of forest belts for the protection of agricultural lands and localities. The research results indicate a low level of these actions, with Romania currently unprepared to face the challenges posed by global warming. Urgent and comprehensive measures by the authorities are needed, including the effective access and use of national and European funds, and the development of public-private partnerships to increase the volume and frequency of actions aimed at mitigating the impact of global warming.

Agricultural Production of Galati County. Aspects Related to Grain Crops

Simona-Beatrice Manolache — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.05

Agriculture represents an important economic sector, which provides food for human society. Galați is a county with high agricultural potential, due to its valuable natural resources, tradition, specialized workforce, and agricultural education provided by educational institutions in the region. The research carried out forwards an analysis of vegetable crops, with an emphasis on cereal crops. The bibliographic documentation was carried out using institutional access to scientific articles in the Clarivate, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate databases. For the applied part we used official information provided by the National Institute of Statistics, the Directorate for Agriculture of Galati County, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The data collected were processed, graphed, and commented on. The results of the research highlighted important progress in the quantities of harvested grains, based in particular on the increase in crop productivity, but also a strong dependence on weather conditions, especially rainfall. The agriculture of Galati County requires important investments in the agricultural field, especially in mechanization and irrigation system development.

Surveying Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Education, and Perceptions: Understanding Knowledge Gaps and Opportunities

Garofita Loredana Ilies — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.06

Addressing economic and institutional hurdles, as well as cultural perceptions and attitudes, is crucial for fostering entrepreneurship among higher education graduates. A survey was conducted in Romania's West and North-West development zones to determine participants' intents for entrepreneurship. The results showed that respondents had less knowledge about business centers and consulting services than about specialized training and loans. The study also identified barriers to entrepreneurship, such as continuing specialized studies and infringing on a business. The respondents' perspectives were shaped by their social environment, including family, friends, workplace, and society. Entrepreneurship development relies on cultural attitudes, financial accessibility, and governmental policy. Effective policies reduce red tape, simplify administrative processes, and offer support. Access to capital, risk capital, and microfinance can boost entrepreneurial initiatives. Social conventions and cultural values shape entrepreneurial intentions.

The Economic Value of European Organic Farming in the Transition to Climate Neutrality

Monica Laura Zlati — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.07

Organic farming is a cornerstone of the European transition towards climate neutrality, offering sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a sustainable European food system. We aim to analyze the economic value of European organic farming based on a principal composites analysis to determine causal relationships and their effects between variables such as organic agricultural area, current expenditure on climate change mitigation, gross value added of organic farming, final energy consumption of agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The results of the sutdi demonstrate that expanding the amount of organic agricultural land in operation and maintaining the investment process in green technologies and resources are closely linked to increasing the economic value of the sector and reducing environmental impacts. However, the significant variations in economic efficiency and pollution highlight the need to adopt appropriate policies and strategies to maximize the benefits of organic farming. The study is useful for European public policy makers to adjust current strategies on the transition to climate neutrality.

Sustainable Managerial Practices in Implementation of Circular Economy Concepts in Romanian Agriculture

Dragos Horia Buhociu — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.08

This study examines the integration of sustainable managerial practices in the implementation of circular economy concepts within Romanian agriculture. The research highlights the growing importance of transitioning from traditional linear models to circular approaches that promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability. By analyzing current practices and identifying key challenges, the study provides insights into how Romanian agricultural businesses can adopt circular economy principles to enhance their sustainability and competitiveness. The findings suggest that while there is increasing awareness and adoption of circular practices, there is a need for stronger policy support, technological innovation, and knowledge transfer to fully realize the potential of the circular economy in Romania's agricultural sector. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers and agricultural managers to foster a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system in Romania.

Exploring Key Stakeholders in the Romanian Food Chain: An Analysis of European Influences and Local Dynamics

Bianca-Florentina Nistoroiu — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.09

This paper's main aim is to analyze and explore the roles and interactions of key stakeholders within the Romanian food chain, analyzing how European Union policies and local dynamics influence these stakeholders. The paper underscores the importance of understanding these interactions for effective policymaking and sustainable development in the agri-food sector. This research presents a synthesis of the existing scientific literature on stakeholders in food supply chains, with a particular focus on Romania. It reviews the current state of knowledge on the distinctive dynamics of the Romanian food chain and contributes to the theoretical frameworks on stakeholder engagement and governance in agri-food systems. By bridging European-level policies with local realities, this paper offers valuable recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aimed at promoting sustainable development in the Romanian food sector.

Entrepreneurship Development Perspectives in the Republic of Moldova. Case Study – Central Region

Ina Mogildea — 2024-07-30

https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2024.1.10

The development of entrepreneurship in the central area of the Republic of Moldova is particularly important for the economic growth of the region and the country, for creating jobs, stimulating innovation and reducing the gaps between urban and rural areas, with an impact on improving the quality of life of the area's inhabitants. The development of entrepreneurship can play an essential role in reducing economic disparities between urban and rural areas, by creating jobs, diversifying the economy, improving infrastructure and access to resources, and contributing to the balanced economic development of the region. Thus, the Central Region has the potential to become an economic engine that positively influences the entire nation, contributing to social and economic stability and the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the global economy. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an investigation at the level of the Central Region of the Republic of Moldova that took into account the perspectives of balanced economic development of the region based on the competitive advantages it offers to potential entrepreneur.