CAN THERE BE A COMPETITOR TO TRADITIONAL ARABLE CROPS IN ROMANIA?

Regarding land use, in the member states of the European Union it can be established that maize is the most productive traditional arable crop. The annual productive area of maize in 2015 was approximately 9.33 million hectares in the EU 28, which was 3% less than that of 2014. There was also a reduction in average production, which, according to member states' figures decreased to 6.15 tonnes/ hectare. This reduction is due to the worsening natural conditions. Consequently, the year's production was about 57 million tonnes at the end of 2015. This represented a reduction of 25% compared to 2014. The second largest production crop in the EU 28 is wheat, although here, too, a reduction can be observed when the data for the last 5 years is examined. This reduction in crop production prompts arable farmers to engage in the production of other crops in those areas where there is a continual reduction in crop production. In my study I will introduce the profitability and risks associated with those plants suited for energy extraction, which can be competitive with the traditional arable plant cultivation.