Romania’s Livestock Sector: Strategic Funding Opportunities for 2023–2027

The Romanian livestock sector is benefiting, during the 2023–2027 period, from an extended financing package supported both by European funds—through the CAP Strategic Plan—and by the national budget via support programs for farmers and processors. At the core of these policies lie objectives such as farm modernization, increased competitiveness in processing, compliance with veterinary and sanitary standards, and integration into shorter, more efficient value chains. Milk and meat production remains a top priority in this context, with substantial resources and a variety of financial instruments allocated, differentiated by beneficiary category and type of investment.

Through European funds managed by AFIR (Agency for Rural Investment Financing), the main interventions dedicated to these areas are DR-20, DR-22, and DR-27.

• DR-20 directly targets investments in livestock farms, especially for shelters, milking equipment, feeding systems, manure management technologies, and systems that improve animal welfare.
• DR-22 supports the processing and marketing of dairy and meat products, through the acquisition of modern technological lines, packaging and labeling systems, quality control equipment, and energy efficiency solutions.
• In parallel, DR-27 is aimed at small processors and family farms developing mobile slaughterhouses, local processing units, or direct sales systems.

 CAP 2023–2027          Maximum Funding Value (€ million) (mil. €)         Maximum Co-financing Rate(%)

DR-20: Livestock Farms                                  2                                                                    65

DR-22: Meat/Dairy Processing                       10                                                                  70

DR-27: Short Supply Chains                            1                                                                    65

In addition to European funds, the state budget supports the sector through programs such as the Transitional National Aid (ANT) and state aid for animal welfare. Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture allocates significant sums to support integrated value chains, cooling tank acquisitions, self-monitoring laboratories, and mobile veterinary diagnostic equipment. Direct support granted to farmers through APIA, based on the number of animals or liters of milk delivered, remains a key element of financial stability for farms.

Despite the instruments available, the absorption rate is still hampered by a lack of technical consultancy, bureaucracy, and difficulties in obtaining construction permits and veterinary authorizations. Integrated projects, based on cooperation and vertical approaches (farm–processor–retail), have the highest chances of being funded and economically sustainable. For meat and dairy farmers and processors, accessing these funds represents a real opportunity to adapt to modern market demands and transition toward a more efficient and sustainable agriculture.