The dependent institutionalization of organic farming in Romania

This paper examines the institutionalization of organic farming in Romania from its inception until 2020, situating it within the broader framework of dependent market economies in Eastern Europe. Drawing on document analysis, secondary data, and 21 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, the study identifies three primary driving forces shaping the organic sector: social movement initiatives, market dynamics, and agricultural and rural policies. Findings indicate that while movement and market forces were present in the early stages, institutionalization has been largely driven by policy frameworks imported from Western Europe, often without adaptation to local conditions. Both regulatory institutions and certification bodies were established in response to external market demands, reinforcing structural dependencies and limiting the influence of domestic civic advocacy. The trajectory of Romanian organic farming thus reflects broader patterns of economic dependency, where policy and institutional frameworks overwrite locally embedded practices and initiatives. The analysis raises important questions for future research, particularly regarding the potential emergence of peasant movements and alternative food networks in Romania, and the extent to which Western European models can align with the country’s specific post-socialist context.Footnote1