Between April 9-10, 2025, LAPAR (League of Agricultural Producers’ Associations in Romania) participated in the annual International Conference “Bioeconomy in Eastern Europe”, a reference event that took place in the hall of the “Gheorghe Ionescu Şișești” Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences in Bucharest. The conference, organized by the Research Institute for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (ICEADR) within the BIOEAST Initiative and the BOOST4BIOEAST project, was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR). This is an important step forward in promoting the bioeconomy and sustainable innovations, which are essential for the development of the agri-food and forestry sectors.
The event was an excellent opportunity for discussions on the latest results in bioeconomy research and practice, challenges and opportunities, with the aim of contributing to the formulation of a strategic agenda for research and innovation in this field. The conference also provided an ideal setting for the exchange of ideas and the strengthening of interdisciplinary partnerships, which are essential for future research and innovation projects.
Presentation of the AGROSUS Project by LAPAR
LAPAR had an active role in the conference, having the opportunity to disseminate the results and information obtained through the AGROSUS project. This was a participatory approach that included a series of activities relevant to sustainable agriculture in Romania, with a focus on the Steppic region, characterized by a semi-arid climate and high phytosanitary pressure.
During the presentation, LAPAR shared the results of an in-depth study on the weed control practices used by farmers, based on questionnaires applied to them, interviews with stakeholders and co-creation workshops organized on arable and perennial crops. This study was essential for understanding the application of bioeconomy principles in agroecological practice, in the context of rapid transformations in agriculture and the pressure exerted by the European Green Deal and the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy.
Key Results of the AGROSUS Study: Agroecological Practices and Weed Control Strategy
The study revealed that farmers in the steppe region of Romania use 100% mixed methods for weed control. Among the most frequently applied methods are: agrotechnical methods (100% of farmers use them), mechanical methods (92%), preventive methods (80%), chemical methods (90%), more common in arable crops).
In the wine sector, the use of chemical methods is almost non-existent, being replaced by agroecological methods such as mulching, pruning and the use of vegetable carpets, including organic fertilizer.
Among the agroecological measures most frequently applied by farmers are:
- Crop rotation in arable crops and the use of covorcrops with leguminous plants, in the vineyard,
- Use of certified and locally tested seeds,
- Use the optimal time and depth for sowing,
- Minimum tillage and periodic mechanical control,
- Preventive techniques (equipment sanitation, segetal monitoring and use of fully matured manure).
These practices reflect the basic principles of agroecology, which aim to reduce synthetic inputs, harness ecosystem functions and integrate local knowledge into decision-making.
Integrating These Practices into the Bioeconomy: Challenges and Opportunities
The study showed that farmers in the steppe region are already applying measures that contribute to the bioeconomy, having a positive impact on:
- Resource efficiency (soil, water),
- Carbon sequestration (through minimal tillage),
- Resilience of agroecosystems to climatic and biotic stress.
However, major difficulties remain, including the perception of the lower efficiency of agroecological methods compared to conventional herbicides, the lack of manpower for manual methods, and economic and legal constraints (instability of lease contracts).
Recommendations for future interventions in public policies
Following discussions with farmers and stakeholders, LAPAR made a number of essential recommendations for future public policies, including:
- Promoting crop rotation as a central method of weed control,
- Supporting investments in adapted mechanical technologies (e.g. cultivators, precision seeders),
- Facilitating access to certified and locally tested seeds, adapted to water stress and biotic pressure,
- Development of support schemes for organic certification, in particular in viticulture,
- Supporting research and updating maps of opponents’ plant species, given that the last available map dates back to 1986.
Conclusions: Strategic opportunities for sustainable agriculture
In conclusion, farmers in the steppe region of Romania already use a solid set of agroecological practices, which can be successfully integrated into the bioeconomy. These practices are a key element of the transition to more sustainable and efficient agriculture, as the bioeconomy not only responds to ecological needs, but also represents a strategic opportunity for sustainable food security.
The implementation of a framework of coherent public policies and educational interventions adapted to the local specificity will play a crucial role in integrating these practices into the national and European bioeconomic vision.
LAPAR reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of a sustainable and innovative agricultural sector, capable of responding to the climate and economic challenges of the future.
