EU Consumer Spends 50 Times More on Organic Food than Romanians

Romanians spend an average of EUR 2 per year on organic food, compared to an average of EUR 102 for all of Europe.

Diego Canga Fano and Henri Delanghe, two European officials who work for the General Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission, are currently in Romania to assist the government in creating a national action plan for organic farming. Because of the significance of this plan, Romania was the first country they visited.

According to Agerpres, given that the average consumer spending on organic food in Romania is barely 2 euros, compared to 102 euros in the European Union, European officials have claimed that the country has enormous growth potential in this area.

It is hoped that all member states, including Romania, develop organic agriculture and adopt a comprehensive approach on the supply and demand side and sustainability. According to European officials, the National Strategic Plan and the Resilience Fund can contribute to the organic sector’s development.

The EU representatives emphasized the crucial role the government can play in educating and enlightening consumers, arguing that there ought to be more incentives for the general public to buy organic goods in Romania.

We would like that Romanian authorities start making, little by little, in the public canteens of hospitals, schools, universities, the army, the residences for the elderly a little bit of organic food. That’s what other countries are doing, and the more you do this green public procurement, again in universities, hospitals, the army, you name it, the more the local market will grow in Romania.

Diego Canga Fano, European Commission’s Directorate General Agriculture and Rural Development

Organic food is much more expensive, and most Romanians cannot afford to spend more on healthy food. Another reason Romanians do not spend money on organic food is because they procure these foods through other methods. Many Romanians, especially those living in rural areas, grow their food, ensuring their organic food intake. Romania has great potential in agriculture, mainly because there are many agricultural lands and a suitable climate. Currently, those who produce organic food that does not use pesticides or fertilizers are the small farmers who must be supported financially, especially now when Romania is facing severe drought.