Fecha de publicación: 14/12/2024 Fuente: ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science) Post date: Saturday 14 December 2024
Author:
ISHS Secretariat

The story of vegetable cultivation in Romania is one filled with resilience, cultural influences and ongoing transformation. It stretches back thousands of years to the Dacians, the ancient people who grew peas, faba beans and lentils, long before modern farming techniques even existed. With the arrival of the Romans in the 2nd century AD, new crops and more advanced farming methods were introduced, laying the foundation for the future of Romanian agriculture. As time passed, Romania’s farming practices progressed with the changing times. During the Middle Ages, the feudal system and numerous invasions brought challenges, but also new opportunities. The Ottoman Empire introduced new vegetables like eggplants and peppers – which are staples of Romanian cuisine today. However, the 19th century was the real turning point. The abolition of serfdom led to a boom in private land ownership and more efficient farming techniques. Scientific methods began to take hold, helping to modernize the country’s horticultural landscape. However, the 20th century brought its own set of challenges for Romanian farming. While the two World Wars disrupted everything, the post-war communist era saw massive efforts to increase vegetable production through collectivization. After the fall of communism in 1989, Romania faced a new challenge: transitioning to a market economy. With that came a shift towards organic and sustainable farming practices, reflecting the growing global focus on healthier and more eco-friendly food. Today, Romania produces a diverse range of vegetables – from the classic potatoes and tomatoes to more exotic varieties. However, the country still faces challenges, like a reliance on imports and the need to better organize its horticultural markets. But one thing is for sure: Romania’s rich tradition of vegetable cultivation is here to stay, blending the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of the future.
Elena Barcanu won the ISHS Prof. Jens Wünsche Young Minds Award for the best poster presentation at the International Symposium on History of Horticulture in Europe at EHC2024 in Romania in May 2024.
Elena Barcanu, Breeding and Biodiversity Department, Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzău, Mesteacanului 23, 120024 Buzău, Romania, e-mail: barcanuelena@gmail.com
The article is available in Chronica HorticulturaeTags: vegetable growingRomaniaCategories: Young Minds Award Winners