Tánczos Barna: Drought Drastically Reduced Grain Production in Three Counties, While Transport Remains the Main Problem

Drought has drastically affected grain production in the counties of Timiș, Bihor and Satu Mare, while climatic conditions in the country’s other regions were better than in previous years, acting Agriculture Minister Tánczos Barna said at a press conference at Victoria Palace.

According to the minister, the main problem currently facing Romanian farmers is logistics. Transporting grain to the port of Constanța is being hampered, while blocked routes and limited port capacity restrict opportunities to market the production.

Tánczos Barna said that France had requested grain for animal feed amid the drought, while Ukraine had asked Romania for better conditions for grain transit. Romania can support states in need, but the minister stressed that the priority must be Romanian farmers, who need to be able to sell their harvest.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Transport are discussing with farmers’ organizations the provision of transport slots, as well as the necessary railcars, locomotives and routes. The objective is for the grain to reach the port and be exported, so that the production obtained by farmers can be turned into income.