THE MAIN FEATURES OF RURAL AGRICULTURAL AREA OF WEST REGION

Abstract

Rural and agricultural areas represent one of the most significant contributions regarding the natural capital, the cultural heritage and the social cohesion that Romania brings to the European Union. The agricultural area is a sector with a considerable potential, occupying, by tradition, an important place in the structure of the Romanian economy. is an important factor in social stability and maintaining ecological balance; it is the branch that provides food for the population and important quantities of raw materials for the food and other non-food industries. The development of the West Region has been influenced and continues to be supported by the important natural resources existing in this region with diverse relief, which includes both the particularly fertile plains in the west of Timiş and Arad counties, hilly areas with important mineral resources, as well as a important segment of the Southern and Western Carpathians, which includes one of the most important natural parks in Europe, the Retezat National Park. Given this rich endowment, at present it is not possible to speak of a full development of the natural resources of the Western Region.