Bioeconomy in Romania: Investigating Farmers’ Knowledge

Abstract

The approach of studying the perceptions of Romanian farmers regarding the bioeconomy brings an element of novelty, and the study intends to add value to works in the field. The literature regarding the attitudes of farmers towards the adoption of new bioeconomic practices is quite limited at the European level and even more so in Romania. However, Romania’s agricultural potential is recognized nationally and internationally. This article aimed to explore the attitudes of Romanian farmers towards the bioeconomy and to take a step forward in determining a set of scientific actions necessary for the initiation of a national strategy dedicated to the bioeconomy. The quantitative research presented is based on a comprehensive survey. The analysis revealed the role of the bioeconomy in agricultural activities and the expectations of respondents in relation to the main aspects addressed by the concept of bioeconomy. The findings pointed out the contribution of Romanian public institutions in explaining and promoting this complex phenomenon to agricultural workers. The results led to three main conclusions: (i) farmers’ attitudes towards the bioeconomy are generally positive, although their knowledge is limited; (ii) public authorities are not sufficiently involved in supporting and promoting the bioeconomy; (iii) the bioeconomy is underfinanced at the national level. The findings draw attention to a great investment potential in the agricultural field that could foster job creation and regional development in Romania. A closer collaboration between researchers, decision-makers, local authorities, and farmers as well as the expansion of technological research are the conditions needed for the development of the bioeconomy in the agriculture of Romania.