Sustainable farming model for vegetable cultivation. Case study

Abstract

The paper presents a case study conducted in Matca commune, Galați county, with the aim of analyzing the sustainability of a family vegetable farm. The study included the assessment of technical-agronomic, economic, and biological factors, as well as the identification of risks that may influence production stability. The farm uses modern technology, based on two crop cycles in protected areas, with drip irrigation and fertigation systems. Production is competitive, reaching 160–180 t/ha for tomatoes and 100–150 t/ha for cucumbers. The main disruptive factors are climate variations, diseases, pests, and high input and energy costs. The SWOT analysis highlighted the technological advantages and economic risks. The farm is emerging as a model of sustainable small-scale vegetable farming, where efficient management and the use of high-performance hybrids contribute to maintaining competitiveness and long-term economic viability.