On March 5th, current year, in Bucharest, organized by Danone company, the Annual Conference of Danone Farmers took place, this year marking the celebration of 25 years of presence in Romania for the global-scale company.

The conference was opened by Mr. Cătălin Andreica - Danone Procurement Manager, who welcomed the participants.

Subsequently, Ms. Oana Bejan - Danone Sales Manager, spoke about the company's activity, emphasizing that currently, Danone is a regional hub which, domestically, has been a leader in the yogurt segment for 23 years, currently holding a market share of 26% in the acidophilus products segment, and 45% in the yogurt segment, including children's yogurt.

Ms. Bejan also analyzed how Romanian consumption habits have changed since 2020, with sales declining in all categories and consumers being much more economical.

Returning to the microphone, Mr. Cătălin Andreica talked about the fact that Danone Romania is a regional hub, producing not only for the Romanian market but also for markets in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria, while also exporting massively to 9 other EU countries, including France and Portugal, as well as the United Kingdom, where Casa bună cream is highly appreciated.

After the break, Ms. Agnes Kuity - Head of C&P CEE delivered a very interesting presentation about regenerative agriculture and the urgent need for Romanian farmers to reduce the carbon footprint on their farms.

In addition, Mr. Andreica presented several graphs showing that Romania has the largest carbon footprint in the European Union and warned those present that green stamps will soon be introduced, including on agro-industrial activities.

Mr. Andreica also informed the audience that Danone supports farmers who want to reduce their carbon footprint on the farm with direct funds.

Mr. Dan Herman - DSM Sales Manager, and Adrian Găgean - Corteva Sales Manager, presented the activities of the companies they represent, as well as the newest nutrition solutions, including those aimed at reducing hydrogen emissions and carbon footprint, as well as those for increasing feed production.

The final sections of the presentations were given by Mr. Dorin Cojocaru - President of APRIL, who highlighted the need to create a common front between farmers and processors, in their common interest.

At the same time, the President of the Dairy Employers' Association emphasized the need for action in the face of the authorities' determination to financially support farmers and milk processors in Romania, to make the costs of the green transition bearable, not forgetting to warn about the competition from foreign investors who, driven by very strict environmental legislation in their countries, will open their own farms in Romania.

The last part of the event was dedicated to the awarding of excellence awards from Danone Romania to some of the partner farmers, as follows:

For the best microbiology: Agroindustriala Pantelimon, Agrozootehnica Comișani.

For the highest fat percentage: Ferma Negoești, Ghiță Gerpeto, Chiriță CGG Maria.

For the highest protein percentage: FR Internațional Group, Albatros, Ilya Agro.

For the largest quantity of milk supplied: Agrozootehnica Ulmeni, Koplax, Polaris Group Company.

For the highest business growth: Agroserb, Domino Group.

Sustainability Trophy: V&G Oil 20002, Agro Chirea, Agrotrust.

Loyalty Trophy: Agroind Focșani, Agropan Oyl, Agrozoo Independența, Agroindaf Afumați, Tellif Grup.