THE ROMANIAN RURAL HOUSEHOLD FROM SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE

The aim of the paper is to highlight, from the point of view of the specialized literature, the role of the Romanian rural household in rural economy, while taking into consideration the opportunities and constraints of the new rural development paradigm. The basic activity of the Romanian rural household is agriculture, with subsistence as main characteristic; yet it should not be neglected that agriculture must ensure food security, ensure the rural population's stability through job opportunities and decent incomes, contribute to environment protection, hence the need to increase the competitiveness and efficiency of farming activities on the subsistence household farm. The rural household (which partially overlaps with the small peasant farm) has a recognized role in maintaining the rural settlements, being responsible for the preservation of natural, social and cultural resources. The present generation of farmers, according to the European Commission, has the multiple role of farmer, custodian of rural areas and entrepreneur.