Romania

Romania covers 238,397 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 19 million, with 54% residing in urban areas. Agricultural land constitutes about 13 million hectares and forestry land covers about 6.5 million hectares. The bioeconomy contributes to Romania’s GDP, with agriculture, food processing, and forestry as key sectors. Organic farming is a dynamic sector in Romania, which has seen an upward trend in recent years. The area under organic farming has increased to over 5%, reflecting the interest in sustainable agricultural practices. The circular bioeconomy in Romania has significant growth potential, with initiatives focused on the efficient use of biological resources on emerging sectors such as sustainable agriculture, bioenergy, food and pharmaceutical industries, forestry and biotechnology.

Bioeconomy Policy Framework

In Romania, the bioeconomy policy framework is primarily coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR), which oversees relevant national sectoral strategies and policies, including those for bioeconomy development. MADR‘s roles include promoting agricultural research, sustainable soil and genetic resource management, and the development of eco-innovative agricultural technologies. MADR collaborates with other ministries and institutions on specific aspects of the bioeconomy. The Institute of Agricultural Economics Development and Rural Development (ICEADR), focused on sustainable rural policies, is one of the key institutions supporting bioeconomy efforts.

Current bioeconomy strategies and development trends

Romania is currently preparing a comprehensive strategic agenda for the bioeconomy to align with EU frameworks, focusing on sustainable agriculture, innovative bio-based industries and rural development. Key initiatives include mainstreaming bioeconomy priorities into national plans and roadmaps, with institutions such as ASAS (Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences) and ICEADR leading collaborative efforts.

visit the Romanian HUB

Explore Romania’s bioeconomy initiatives and innovative developments by visiting the Romanian Bioeconomy Hub. Learn more about our strategies, ongoing projects, and national efforts to promote a sustainable bioeconomy. Visit our page to stay updated on upcoming events and opportunities!

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Bioeconomy related projects

BIOCAPITAL, “Mobilising investments for protecting and restoring biodiversity by harnessing innovative financial solutions and advanced geospatial analytics”
BEAMING, “Bioeconomy excellence alliance for stimulating innovative and inclusive green transition“
ADER 22.1.4, “Research on the development of technical-economic solutions for the creation of value chains in the agri-food sector in view of the transition to the circular bioeconomy”

National contact point

The BIOEAST Initiative’s National Contact Point (NCP) is the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. One of the NCP’s main roles at national level is to interact and coordinate the national views with other bioeconomy related ministries:

MARIA ANGHEL, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (General Department for Policies in Food Industry and Trade)
VERONICA TARAN BACIU, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (General Director, National Agency for Mountain Area)
CARMEN ENESCU, Permanent Representation of Romania to the European Union
STELIANA RODINO, Institute of Agricultural Economics Development and Rural Development (ICEADR)

Address

Bulevardul Carol I 4, București 030163, Romania

Contact

maria.anghel@madr.ro

veronica.baciu@azm.gov.ro

carmen.enescu@mae.ro

steliana.rodino@bioeast.ro

Useful links

BIOCAPITAL

BEAMING