Interim Minister of Agriculture, Tánczos Barna, announced following a meeting with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan that the timely payment of agricultural subsidies represents the Government’s main priority in the coming period. The discussions took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and focused both on the situation of agricultural sectors currently under pressure and on the measures prepared to support farmers.

According to statements published by the minister, the authorities aim to avoid administrative blockages by ensuring procedural support from the Ministry of Finance, given that the funds necessary for subsidy payments are already included in the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget. The issue of subsidies remains essential for the stability of financial flows in agriculture, especially in a context marked by high production costs and pressure on farm liquidity.

The meeting also addressed issues affecting the pig farming sector, the pork market, and the dairy market. The minister stated that the package of measures aimed at combating African swine fever is expected to be finalized and presented to the Government together with ANSVSA leadership. At the same time, the authorities are preparing a new regulatory project regarding the commercialization of fresh pork, as Romania continues to face the economic and sanitary effects of ASF on domestic production.

The official also announced the preparation of support schemes for pig farmers and dairy cattle breeders, within the limits of the new temporary framework on state aid adopted by the European Commission. The measures are expected to be presented in a concrete form in the immediate period ahead.

In parallel, the Government is also reassessing the de minimis support intended for garlic and potato growers. The two sectors are considered strategic for Romanian agriculture, given that the agri-food trade balance deficit continues to be influenced by high imports of food products and agricultural raw materials. The statements indicate a possible orientation of agricultural policies toward strengthening domestic production and supporting sectors with structural vulnerabilities.