• The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development published in the Official Gazette the DR23 Aid Scheme, an initiative aimed at financially supporting food producers in Romania.
UPDATE: Following the discussions held by ROMPAN with the AFIR management, it is confirmed that the first session for submitting projects under Measure DR 23 will open on November 1, 2025.
With a total budget of almost 165 million euros, this European funding scheme aims to support businesses in areas such as dairy production, brewing, baking and other activities related to the processing of agricultural products into food and processed products. Here is a detailed overview of this funding opportunity and the benefits it brings to entrepreneurs in Romania.
Measure DR23, entitled "Investments for the processing and marketing of agricultural products in order to obtain food products and processed products, other than those provided for in Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union", is part of Romania's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. It is implemented by the Agency for Financing Rural Investments (AFIR) and aims to modernize and develop the agri-food sector by financing investments in processing, storage, marketing and energy efficiency.
The total budget allocated to this scheme is 164.929.100 euros, of which 138.750.000 euros come from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and 26.179.100 euros represent the contribution from the state budget. It is estimated that up to 130 beneficiaries will be able to access these funds, thus contributing to the creation and development of new production capacities in the food sector.
Who can benefit from financing?
The DR23 scheme is aimed at enterprises in urban or rural areas that make investments in the processing and marketing of agricultural products to obtain non-agricultural products, according to the eligible CAEN codes specified in Annex 1 of the scheme (page 30 of the document published in the Official Gazette). Eligible activities include:
- Bread and pastry manufacturing (including gluten-free products) – NACE code 1071;
- Dairy product manufacturing – NACE code 105;
- Brewing beer – NACE code 1105;
- Manufacture of prepared meals, such as frozen or canned pizza – NACE code 1085;
- Manufacture of biscuits, cakes and preserved pastry products – NACE code 1072;
- Manufacture of macaroni, noodles and other farinaceous products – NACE code 1073;
- Ice cream and sorbet manufacturing – NACE code 1052.
These NACE codes cover a wide range of activities, offering opportunities for various types of businesses in the food industry. Beneficiaries can be small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agricultural cooperatives, cooperative societies, producer groups or organizations recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as large enterprises.
What types of investments are eligible?
Measure DR23 supports a series of investments aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of businesses in the food sector. Eligible investments include:
- Establishment or development of processing capacities of agricultural products by expanding production capacity, diversifying activity or fundamental changes in production processes.
- Development of storage and conditioning capacities of raw materials or finished products, as a secondary part of the project.
- Investments in product marketing, including the creation or modernization of marketing infrastructure, as a secondary component.
- Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as investments in the energy efficiency of buildings where eligible activities are carried out.
Investments must be economically viable, and beneficiaries are required to ensure their own financial contribution of at least 35% of the value of eligible expenses, with the remaining maximum 65% being covered by non-reimbursable public support.
Funding amount and selection criteria
The maximum amount of financing varies depending on the type of investment:
- Up to 3 million euros per project for modernization investments, such as breweries or ice cream factories.
- Up to 10 million euros per project for start-up investments that include processing in sectors such as bakeries, milling industry, oil or compound feed.
Projects will be assessed according to a detailed scoring grid, available in Annex 3 of the scheme (page 45 of the published document). This takes into account criteria such as economic impact, project sustainability and contribution to environmental objectives.
How can projects be submitted?
Projects will be submitted online through the AFIR portal, and the registration session is expected to open in the fall of 2025, according to an indicative calendar of the agency. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to consult the Applicant Guide and related annexes, available on the website www.afir.ro, to ensure that they meet all eligibility conditions and that their projects comply with the requirements of the scheme.
Impact of Measure DR23 on the food sector
This financing scheme represents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs in the food industry in Romania. With the support provided, it is estimated that approximately 130 new businesses will be established or existing units will be modernized, contributing to increasing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector. Also, investments in energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions align this initiative with the European Union's objectives on sustainability and environmental protection.
The DR23 measure comes in a favorable context, in which over 55% of microenterprises and SMEs in Romania intend to access European funds in 2025, according to a study conducted by IMM Romania. This reflects the increased interest of entrepreneurs in financing opportunities that can accelerate the development of their businesses.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
Read on White Art and: European non-reimbursable funds for the modernization of the bakery sector through the PNS DR23 Program
