Government Approves De Minimis Aid Scheme to Support Vegetable Production in Protected Areas (2025–2027)

The Romanian Government has adopted the decision approving the “De Minimis Aid Scheme for the Implementation of the Program Supporting Vegetable Production in Protected Areas” for the period 2025–2027.

“Through this measure, we aim to stimulate the development of agricultural holdings, strengthen the short supply chain, and boost the competitiveness of Romanian farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture remains a reliable partner for farmers, offering them tangible support to carry out their activity under optimal conditions,” declared Florin-Ionuț BARBU, Minister of Agriculture.

Scope of the Scheme

The regulation provides de minimis aid for vegetable production in protected areas (greenhouses, solariums) between 2025 and 2027. Eligible crops include:

• Tomatoes
• Sweet or long peppers, bell peppers, hot peppers
• Cucumbers
• Eggplants
• Cabbage
• Green beans
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Green onions

The aid amount is €1.5 per square meter, equivalent to €1,500 per 1,000 m², for a minimum cultivated area of 1,000 m², provided all crop-type and area requirements are met.

Financial Allocation

The total funding allocated for the scheme in 2025 is 342.4 million lei. The financial resources for 2026 and 2027 will be determined based on the budget allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR).

If annual funding is exceeded, the amount granted to each beneficiary will be proportionally reduced to stay within the allocated yearly budget.

Eligible Beneficiaries and Implementation

Eligible beneficiaries include enterprises or single enterprises operating in the primary production of agricultural products, specifically for vegetable cultivation in protected environments.

Field inspections will be carried out by mixed teams from the County Agricultural Directorates (DAJ) and the Agency for Payments and Intervention in Agriculture (APIA). These inspections will confirm:

• The existence and establishment of the declared areas
• The specific crops cultivated in each protected space

Inspections must occur between the application submission and September 30 of each year.

Harvesting and marketing of produce must be completed after the field checks and no later than October 15 of the respective year. Supporting documents and the treatment registry must be submitted by October 24.

Expected Impact

This aid scheme is expected to:

• Increase farmer interest in expanding and modernizing their agricultural operations
• Enhance consumer access to fresh, high-quality vegetables
• Strengthen the short supply chain between producers and local markets