Tomatoes remain one of the most consumed and cultivated agricultural products in Romania. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), tomato production exceeded 720,000 tons in 2024, up 5% compared to the previous year, placing Romania among the main producers in the European Union.

However, domestic tomato consumption is influenced by seasonality. During the summer, the market is dominated by local production, but in the off-season Romania imports significant quantities, mainly from Turkey and the Netherlands. Tomato imports exceeded 100,000 tons in 2024, with a value of more than 150 million euros.

For Romanian farmers, the main challenges are related to high energy costs for greenhouses, limited access to irrigation, and pressure from import competition. In addition, price fluctuations affect both producers and final consumers.

In the medium term, solutions focus on modernizing greenhouses, expanding irrigated areas, and strengthening agricultural cooperatives to ensure a stronger market presence. Increasing local production can reduce dependency on imports and support the sustainable development of the horticultural sector.

(Photo: Freepik)