Tendencies and perspectives of the milk market in Romania

Abstract

Raising dairy cows is a basic occupation in rural and mountain areas ensuring stable employment and periodic income for breeders. It also allows high valuation of fodder obtained on the natural areas (natural fodders). Raising dairy cows has as main objective the achievement of greater quantities of milk from the existing breeds, and in this way obtaining high and steady income for farmers. After the events of December 1989, the milk production has increased continuously. Even in terms of reducing by half the number of dairy cows, the total milk production increased by more than double as a result of the increase average production with a higher rate than the decrease in number of dairy cows. In Romania, the production and consumption of milk and derived products were aligned with the general line that characterizes these products, however, with some differences. During 2002-2008, trade balance is still in deficit. An increase can be noticed in the export of milk and dairy products but also an increase in imports, which makes the trade balance to be still negative.