The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Holds Consultations on Romania’s Position Regarding the Post-2028 Common Agricultural Policy Reform

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) organized a round of consultations with representatives of the Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation (AAC) and the Forum of Professional Farmers and Processors of Romania, aimed at defining Romania’s national position on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2028. The initiative seeks to develop a unified national strategy for Romania in the negotiation process of the new European support framework for agriculture.

The discussions took place in the context of Romania’s request to revise the European Commission’s proposal concerning the architecture of the future CAP. Minister of Agriculture Florin Barbu emphasized that Romania will continue to defend the model of a distinct Common Agricultural Policy, managed directly by the agriculture ministers, rejecting the idea of integrating it into National and Regional Partnership Plans.

“Integrating the CAP into other policies would mean losing visibility and control over the funds intended for farmers. We want a clear, fair CAP, with a budget at least equal to that of the current programming period,” stated the minister.

Among the main topics analyzed were the maintenance of the CAP’s independence from Cohesion Policies, the level of co-financing for interventions, the impact of increasing the national contribution to 30%, and the total budget allocated to Romania, estimated at €21.47 billion for the current financial period.

Discussions also addressed the rejection of capping and degressivity of direct payments — measures considered detrimental to the competitiveness of medium and large farms — as well as the need to continue investments in irrigation and processing, in order to strengthen farm resilience and increase the added value of agricultural production.

Another key point was the request for a separate budget for the EU School Scheme and the wine sector, areas that contribute to strengthening food education and preserving Europe’s agricultural traditions.

Minister Florin Barbu reiterated MADR’s commitment to working in partnership with professional organizations to formulate a unified European-level position:

“Romania must speak with one voice in Brussels. Consultations with farmers’ organizations are essential to ensure that the future CAP addresses the real needs of Romanian farmers.”

The outcomes of the meeting will be integrated into Romania’s position paper, which will be sent to the European Commission and presented at upcoming AGRIFISH Council meetings, where the final direction of the post-2028 Common Agricultural Policy will be shaped.

(Photo: Freepik)