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AGRI-ENVIRONMENT MEASURES FOR PROMOTING ROMANIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Abstract
Nowadays, green technologies and agri-environment measures play a vital role for sustainable development. Taking into consideration that more than a half of the Romanian land is farmed, agriculture is very important for the Romanian natural environment. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed picture of the Romanian agri-environment measures and to outline the importance of agri-environmental protection for sustainability of agricultural systems, habitats, and rural area. In this paper, we included a documentary synthesis, an analysis, comparison, and interpretation of statistical and research data. In 2016, the total area used for organic production was 226309 ha and there were 10562 certified organic agriculture operators. The application of natural fertilizers accounted for 5.2% of the total amount of chemical fertilizers (2016). These numbers are too low for a country with more than 14 million hectares and more than 3.5 million agricultural exploitations, although Romania has a high potential for green technologies, due mainly to the high natural fertility of soils, water sources, and the diversity of the climate. The use of environmentally friendly green technologies and the development of strategies, policies and funding mechanisms to promote sustainable agricultural practices are tools that help reduce the negative environmental impact of conventional farming practices. One of eco-friendly approaches is to integrate in agriculture systems new eco-friendly methods, practices, management and technologies. Currently, the main financing instrument and strategy for the sustainability of agricultural systems and rural development is represented by the Common Agricultural Policy of European Union. European agricultural funds play an important role in promoting green technologies in agriculture. The main instruments and financing measures for organic agricultural production and for agri-environmental protection include agriпїЅenvironmental-climate measures, areas with natural constrains, payments for NATURA 2000 protected areas, organic farming, and green direct payments. From 2015 onwards, green direct payment for farmers has accounted for 30% of the national direct payment envelope and it has been rewarded to farmers for respecting three mandatory agricultural practices, namely maintenance of permanent grassland, ecological focus areas and crop diversification. During the period 2008-2015 payments were made in volume of around EUR 3.47 billion under commitments made for the environment and climate. These payment instruments contributed to: maintaining biodiversity (6.073 million ha), soil quality (864 thousand ha), water quality, avoiding isolation and land abandonment, reducing climate change. For the 2014-2020 programming period, a particular focus was put on promoting the efficient use of resources as well as the sustainable growth of agriculture. In this context, agri-environment measures helps make Romanian farming more sustainable.
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