On March 21, 2025, Romania's Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu, announced a groundbreaking development program aimed at enhancing the processing of agricultural products within the country. With a total funding of nearly 2 billion euros, this initiative is set to transform Romania into one of the largest producers and exporters of food products in Southeast Europe over the next four years.
During his announcement, Barbu stressed, "Ministerul Agriculturii are un program amplu de dezvoltare a procesării în România, pentru că este fără precedent în ultimii 30 de ani. Anul trecut am semnat contracte de aproape 2 miliarde de euro," highlighting the unprecedented scope of the initiative and the robust contracts signed the previous year.
The program is anchored by two significant components: the InvestAlim program and the National Strategic Program. The InvestAlim program is designated for substantial operational units, assembling a vast array of production resources amounting to 1 billion euros. In addition, an equal sum will be allocated under the National Strategic Program, utilizing European funding to further bolster local agricultural production.
On the same day, Barbu visited a prominent cattle farm located in Peșteana, near Hațeg, which also specializes in milk processing. His visit underscored the program's commitment to engaging local producers and ensuring that the benefits of such investments reach the ground level. Barbu met with local officials and exchanged views on the farm's operations and the broader implications for the regional agricultural economy.
The InvestAlim program aims to significantly enhance local food production, which is critical for meeting both domestic and export demands. Further supporting this goal, Barbu announced a new investment program for the livestock sector valued at 4 million lei, set to begin in approximately two months. This financial assistance will target farms with at least 300 cattle heads.
Barbu detailed the eligibility criteria for state aid: farms must be equipped with processing units for meat or milk, and if the shareholders are under 41 years of age and own at least 50% of the farm, they can qualify for even greater state support – up to 80% coverage from the state budget.
Discussing the forecast for 2025, Romania is expected to produce 1.5 million piglets this year, contributing to the increase in livestock in the region. Moreover, significant strides in the poultry sector are projected, with the country on track to produce over 500 million chickens, of which 200 million are earmarked for export. According to Barbu, "România a ajuns la peste 500 de milioane de pui, exportăm peste 200 de milioane de pui," reinforcing Romania's rising status as a poultry supplier in Europe.
State support for these zootechnics projects will constitute 65% of the overall funding, with farmers borrowing the balance. This strategic investment structure is designed to encourage ongoing growth in the agricultural sector while fostering economic sustainability for farmers across Romania.
As Romania gears up to fulfill its role as a powerhouse in food production in Southeast Europe, the agricultural ministry's commitment, alongside financial support, positions the country favorably for upcoming years. With the dual focus on enhancing processing capabilities and boosting livestock production, the initiative could see local farmers prosper while meeting regional and international demand for high-quality Romanian agricultural products.
In conclusion, the framework laid out by the Ministry of Agriculture not only underscores Romania's potential but showcases a dedicated effort to revitalize its agricultural landscape. The steps taken today could lead to extensive benefits, reinforcing the local economy and establishing Romania as a vital player in the European food market.
