Romania sets 2025 direct payment ceilings under the CAP framework

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) has approved the financial ceilings for 2025 APIA direct payments, in line with Romania’s allocation under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

For the Single Area Payment Scheme (SAPS), the ceiling is set at €967 million, covering approximately 8.9 million eligible hectares. The estimated payment rate is €108.65/ha, up from €103.10/ha in 2024 (+5.3%), marking a modest yet relevant increase amid rising agricultural costs.

The greening payment is allocated €528 million, with an estimated rate of €59.32/ha, slightly higher than in 2024 (+2.1%). Coupled support for livestock amounts to €112 million, with approximate values as follows:

• Dairy cattle – ~€290/head
• Beef cattle – ~€220/head
• Sheep/goats – ~€17/head

In crop production, coupled support remains between €100–€150/ha, with examples including:

• Alfalfa – ~€110/ha
• Soybeans – ~€145/ha

New measures for 2025: progressive capping and small farm incentives

A major update for 2025 is the progressive capping of payments exceeding €60,000 per beneficiary, along with a +5% bonus for small farms under 10 hectares. This aims to support family farms and reduce the concentration of subsidies among large-scale operations.

APIA calendar:

• Advance payments start on October 16, 2025 (up to 70% of total amount)
• Final payments will be completed by June 30, 2026

These funding ceilings offer Romanian farmers a stable framework for planning agricultural work and investments in 2025–2026. However, input costs and weather conditions remain key variables affecting farm profitability.