Interim Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu Reviews His Term and Outlines Key Priorities

Appearing on a national television program, Mr. Florin Barbu, Romania’s Interim Minister of Agriculture, presented a review of his recent mandate while emphasizing the priorities for the next stages.

While acknowledging some unfulfilled objectives, Minister Barbu expressed hope for launching a loan guarantee fund for farmers. The fund would offer a very low interest rate—around 1.2%—and a fixed ROBOR rate, aiming to shield farmers from the difficulties they often face in dealing with banks, a relationship he noted has not worked as smoothly as it should.

He also expressed satisfaction at having successfully advocated for changes to the EU regulation on subsidies, which will now be granted exclusively for eligible land areas.

Turning to the livestock sector, the minister highlighted efforts to repopulate swine farms, supporting the restocking of 40 pig farms affected by the evolution of ASF (African Swine Fever).

He also announced the continuation of a support program for setting up new dairy farms, each with an average of 300 dairy cattle.

Using the poultry sector as an example, Barbu reported a 60% increase in poultry meat production, noting that Romania has now achieved full self-sufficiency in this segment, with a consistent surplus exported abroad. He also reassured sheep farmers that support for their sector would continue.

Among the ministry’s notable achievements is the InvestAlim program, which is already operational. Many companies that have accessed funds through this support line have begun work on expanding or modernizing their food production facilities.