CAEN Division 98
CAEN Division 98 represents an atypical macroeconomic category in the Romanian economic landscape, as it refers to activities carried out by private households exclusively for their own consumption, without involving commercial transactions. In Romania, this sphere has deep roots in rural tradition, where many families grow their own vegetables, raise animals for meat and dairy, or make household textiles. Although it does not generate direct monetary income, these activities contribute significantly to the non-observed economy and to household food security, especially in areas with limited access to markets. From a macroeconomic perspective, the share of these activities in GDP is difficult to quantify, but they reduce dependence on external purchases and increase economic resilience to shocks. The main challenge for those operating in this segment is the lack of official recognition and the inability to access financing or subsidies, as production is not intended for commercialization. However, the transition towards a more sustainable economy and the growing interest in self-consumption could bring to the forefront the need for policies to support these practices without turning them into market activities. In the current context of inflation and high food costs, more and more Romanians are rediscovering the benefits of self-production, giving CAEN 98 a new relevance, even if it remains in the shadow of official statistics.