Indicator-based analysis of organic farming in Romania. Regional spatial patterns

Organic farming is regarded as the most effective and environmentally friendly solution to the growing pressure on land resources as a result of population growth and urban demand for goods and services. In Romania, little research has been conducted on the geographical distribution of organic farming at regional level and no research at local level. Using both secondary and primary data for two years (2014 and 2018), the paper examines the spatial distribution and changes of organic farming in Romania. By using several indicators computed at the Local Administrative Unit (LAU) level, an overall picture of organic farming in Romania is provided. The results suggest regional disparities in the dynamics of the organic area, as well as several major concentrations of organic producers: one livestock-dominated located in the mountain-plateau-hilly region in the central, north and north-east of Romania and another crop-dominated found in the plain regions of the west, south and south-east. Apart from this spatial clustering, the pattern of organic farming is quite random, strongly depending on the local environmental conditions. Moreover, the authors identified a tight relationship between the development and spatial distribution of organic farming and policies support and European subsidies through Common Agricultural Policy.