The Ministry of Agriculture announced that, in the first quarter of 2026, payments exceeding 1.3 billion lei (approximately €256 million) were made to the agricultural sector and rural areas under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027. The funds were managed by the Managing Authority and channeled through specific financing mechanisms, including the Agency for Financing Rural Investments (AFIR) for investment projects.

These amounts are primarily aimed at financing farm development projects, modernizing processing capacities, investments in rural infrastructure, and environmental and climate measures. The funding comes mainly from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), supplemented by the national budget contribution, in line with the financial framework of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027.

Separately from these mechanisms, direct payments to farmers, such as area-based or livestock subsidies, are carried out through the Agency for Payments and Intervention in Agriculture (APIA), under Pillar I of the CAP. The distinction between the two funding streams is relevant for understanding the structure of support provided to the agricultural sector.

The Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu, stated that these results reflect the use of European funds for the development of farms and rural areas, arguing that Romania ranks first in attracting European funds for agriculture. The statement indicates a favorable assessment of the pace of program implementation and the level of payments executed.

(Photo: Freepik)