If you think the key to succeeding in today’s global markets is simply doing more, faster, and bigger, the European Union’s agri-food sector suggests a slightly different approach: it’s really about doing things smarter.
Yep, the old “produce more to earn more” mentality is quietly packing its bags, and a new guest has arrived at Europe’s economic table: economically sustainable competitiveness. Not exactly a catchy name, but give it a chance!
How can EU countries stay competitive in agri-food?
This post is a more friendly version of the findings of a research done with my colleagues from Bucharest University of Economics Studies, Marius Constantin and Roxana Patralageanu and my UCV colleague Juan Sapena (Constantin et al., 2023).
The article looks at one key question: How can EU countries stay competitive in agri-food markets without burning through money, resources, or the planet?
Fast answer: it has to be trade specialization. But not in the risky sense of relying on a single option; rather in identifying what each country does best and building long-term strength around those advantages.
Why specialization matters
According to our research, EU countries with a clear trade specialization in certain agri-food products perform better economically in the long run. It’s like focusing on your strongest workout at the gym instead of trying to master all machines and accidentally injuring yourself on the leg press.
Specialization has positive effects: it reduces waste, improves efficiency, strengthens international positioning and it makes your products to be easier ot “brand”: recognizable and irreplaceable (so example “the Spanish oranges”, “the Belgian beer”). And even better, specialization helps countries stay competitive without increasing environmental or financial pressure.
Smart doesn’t mean inflexible
We also draw attention that specialization alone won’t save the day. The world is changing faster than a teenager’s mood (my mom’s perspective). There are the constant climate conditions shifting, supply chains wobbling or the consumer preferences evolving. So, specialization has to be paired with smart strategies, like stable economic policies, innovation and investment in green technologies. Otherwise, you might end up being very, very specialized… in producing something nobody wants anymore.
Competitiveness isn’t real if it’s not economically sustainable
Economic sustainability means:
- You use resources wisely
- You keep production stable
- You invest in quality
- You avoid turning your ecosystem into a sad beige wasteland
It’s the only way to make sure your farming sector isn’t here today, gone tomorrow. To understand it better, thinkg of dieting. Sure, you can lose weight by eating three almonds a day and manifesting the rest, but will that be sustainable? Sooner or later, it will catch up with you and you will want to live again 🙂
There is no South of Italy, without Limoncello 🙂 Turning lemons into juice and limoncello adds value, reduces waste, and uses local identity to increase income and have a stable brand. That’s strategic specialization
In conclusion, we propose:
- Stop trying to do everything and focus on what you’re naturally good at.
- Invest in better methods, not more output.
- Sustainability isn’t optional, it’s strategy.
- Being competitive today means preparing for tomorrow.
The EU’s agri-food story is basically the grown-up version of “work smarter, not harder”—except with tractors, trade data, and much better cheese.
You can access for free the full article here: Constantin, M., Sapena, J., Apetrei, A., & Pătărlăgeanu, S. R. (2023). Deliver smart, not more! Building economically sustainable competitiveness on the ground of high agri-food trade specialization in the EU. Foods, 12(2), 232.
Sunny hugs from Valencia, Andreea
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