• The Agency for Financing Rural Investments (AFIR) marked significant progress in supporting the food industry in Romania by signing 20 financing agreements under the INVESTALIM program, running from 2023-2026.
The total value of investments amounts to over 3,6 billion lei, of which approximately 2,18 billion lei represents non-refundable financial support granted by the state.
The first eight agreements, concluded in October 2024, concerned investments of over 1,32 billion lei, with a state aid of approximately 882 million lei. Subsequently, in March and April 2025, another 12 agreements were signed, involving investments of over 1,48 billion lei and a financial support of approximately 863 million lei. Currently, the first eight beneficiary companies have moved on to implementing the projects, starting either construction works or purchasing equipment essential for their activity.
Projects financed through WE INVEST aims to modernize and expand agri-food processing capacities. These include various fields, such as meat, fish, fruit and vegetable processing, but also dairy, bakery, milling or sugar production. Thus, the program contributes to the diversification and consolidation of the Romanian food industry, having a direct impact on product quality and competitiveness on the domestic and international market.
About INVESTALIM
The INVESTALIM program, launched in 2023, is a state aid scheme aimed at stimulating the development of the food industry in Romania. With a total budget of 590 million euros, financed from national funds, the program offers non-repayable financial support that can reach up to 57,75 million euros per beneficiary. The intensity of financing varies between 30% and 70%, depending on the size and specifics of each enterprise. The main objective of INVESTALIM is to support modernization and innovation in the agri-food sector, contributing to increasing the added value of Romanian products and reducing dependence on imports.
The continuation of the signing of financing agreements in the coming years depends on budgetary allocations and the approval of commitment credits through the annual budget laws. The INVESTALIM program represents a major opportunity for food sector enterprises, providing them with the necessary resources to develop their infrastructure and meet the increasingly demanding demands of consumers.
This approach of AFIR reflects the commitment of the Romanian authorities to support a strategic sector for the national economy, with long-term benefits for producers, consumers and the rural environment.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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