Applications are now open for subsidies for farmers in the livestock sector and those affected by the 2022 crises. A total of 1.8 billion lei has been made available for all the 2023 farmer subsidy programs, noted Agriculture Minister Vladimir Bolea during a press briefing held to clarify eligibility criteria.

In particular, the forms of available subsidies include diesel excise refund, handouts to farmers affected by the consequences of the 2022 crises, complementary subsidies, direct payments in the livestock sector, and in-kind fuel allowances from humanitarian aid offered by Romania.

Diana Coșalîc, deputy director of the Agency for Agricultural Intervention and Payments, said the Government allocated 200 million lei from its reserve fund in subsidies to farmers affected by the multiple crises of 2022. The beneficiaries include micro-sized farms (up to 9 employees and an annual turnover of up to 18 million lei) and small-sized farms (maximum 49 employees and a turnover of up to 50 million lei) that grow first group grains.

Direct payments for the livestock sector include payments of 3 lei for a liter of milk, with applications accepted until September 15. The livestock sector can also benefit from per capita subsidies for sheep, goats, horses, heifers under 3 months, and cattle up to 12 months old. Applications will be accepted until September 30.

Additionally, advance payments are open for micro and small farmers, as well as local authorities and agricultural education and research organizations. The call for advance payments is open from 18 September until 16 November. During the same period, the Agency will also receive applications for post-investment subsidies.

In 2022, the subsidy fund constituted 1 billion 750 million lei.