Romania Supports Renewable Energy for Agriculture and Food Industry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR), through the Agency for Financing Rural Investments (AFIR), is implementing a State Aid Scheme designed to support investments in new renewable energy production capacities for self-consumption in the agricultural sector and food industry.

🔋 Impressive Interest and Strong Investment Pipeline

During the two submission sessions held between 2023 and 2025, AFIR received 2,377 project proposals, with a total value approaching €490 million.

So far:

• 583 funding contracts have been signed under the first session, totaling €110.5 million
• 4 projects have already been completed
• The evaluation process for the second session is nearing completion, with 910 applications assessed so far, amounting to €92.4 million

“We are firmly supporting Romanian farmers and processors in becoming energy independent and competitive by investing in renewable sources. This is a vital step toward modernizing farms and reducing production costs—especially in today’s increasingly challenging climate and economic context,” said Florin-Ionuț Barbu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

💶 Financing and Eligibility

• The scheme is financed through the Modernization Fund, managed by the Ministry of Energy
• AFIR, under the Ministry of Agriculture, acts as the administrator of the state aid scheme

✔️ Who is eligible?

The program is open to:

• Agricultural enterprises
• Food processing companies
• Land improvement organizations

They can receive funding to establish solar or wind energy production capacities, with or without energy storage, exclusively for self-consumption.

This initiative aligns with Romania's broader strategy to promote sustainability, decarbonization, and energy efficiency in rural areas—creating long-term value and resilience for the agri-food sector. 

(Photo: Pexels)