Barriers and Levers in the Development of the Value Chain of Organic Vegetables in Romania

Abstract

As people become more and more aware of health issues, environmental protection, and climate change, there is a major shift to organic food consumption in our society. Among the main organic products consumed, we highlight vegetables because they are a major source of vitamins and minerals. The paper aims to carry out an analysis of the value chain of organic vegetables in Romania. This study presents the results of the analysis of the value chain of organic vegetables regarding aspects such as chain mapping, governance structure, and chain modernization. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key chain actors. The research shows that the value chain of organic vegetables in Romania is simple and short; in 45.5% of cases, there is only a distributor between the producer and the final customer. The processing function being poorly developed, 90% of the vegetables get to be marketed fresh. The study identified the main barriers to the development of this system, namely low demand for organic products and high legislative volatility. Key actors also suggested some levers to overcome barriers, such as campaigns to inform and educate consumers about organic products and their benefits and better targeted public policies.