New Funding Opportunities for Agriculture and Food Processing under CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR), together with the Rural Investment Financing Agency (AFIR), has published the indicative calendar for the upcoming project submission sessions under Pillar II of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027. Between December 2025 and February 2026, several funding measures are scheduled to open, aimed at modernising agriculture and the food industry, with a total allocation exceeding €665 million.

The most important measure for food processors is Intervention DR-23, set to open on 15 December 2025, with a budget of €164.9 million. It supports investments in the processing and marketing of agricultural products, including the production of processed foods other than those listed in Annex I of the EU Treaty. Practically, this measure encourages modernisation of processing units and the creation of higher value-added products.

In the primary production segment, key interventions include DR-16 (investments in the vegetable and potato sector – €151.3 million) and DR-14 (small-scale farms – €108 million), both scheduled for launch in January and February 2026. These lines are designed to support farmers supplying raw materials to the food industry, including meat and dairy processors.

The program also features DR-12, dedicated to young farmers, both newly established and recently consolidated, with a budget of €169.5 million, as well as niche measures such as DR-18 (floriculture and aromatic plants) and DR-17 (hops and table grapes). In addition, Intervention DR-21, aimed at preventing African swine fever, will benefit from a €10 million allocation.

According to MADR, the published calendar is indicative, with applicant guides and selection criteria to be released progressively on madr.ro and afir.ro. For operators in the food industry, these funding opportunities represent a strategic moment to invest in new technologies, diversify production, and enhance competitiveness on the European market.