Organic tomatoes have become an essential segment of Romania’s agri-food market, driven by growing demand for healthy and sustainable products. According to Eurostat 2024 data, Romania cultivated over 4,800 hectares of certified organic vegetables, with tomatoes playing a key role, reaching a production of approximately 20,000 tons.

Domestic consumption of organic tomatoes is estimated at 1.5 kg per capita annually, up 12% compared to 2023. However, Romania remains dependent on imports, mainly from Italy and Spain, to meet demand during the off-season. Organic tomato imports exceeded €8 million in 2024.

At the European level, the organic products market is valued at over €60 billion, with trends indicating that demand will double by 2030. In this context, Romanian farmers could benefit greatly through investments in modern greenhouses, efficient irrigation systems, and short supply chains.

The major challenges include high certification costs, insufficient storage infrastructure, and competition from cheaper imports. However, European policies such as the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy provide support tools that could transform the organic tomato sector into a driver of sustainable development.

(Photo: Freepik)