The digital transformation of Romanian agriculture is becoming a condition for economic survival. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR, 2024), only 27% of Romanian farms use digital management applications, compared to the European average of 56%. Despite this gap, the trend is clearly upward, especially among medium-sized farms.

The Agency for Rural Investment Financing (AFIR) supports digitalization projects through Measure DR-20 – Farm Modernization, covering costs for sensors, planning software, and automated equipment. Average investments range between €50,000 and €100,000, with a payback period of 3–5 years.

Digitalization brings direct benefits: reduced input consumption, optimized yields, and productivity increases of up to 20%, according to the DG AGRI – Smart Farming Report 2024. Moreover, real-time monitoring of soil, water, and crops provides farmers with decision-making precision that once relied solely on experience.

Romania has the potential to become a competitive player in digital agriculture; however, success depends on collaboration between institutions, universities, and the private sector. The shift from paper to data is no longer an option—it is a necessary step toward the future of European agriculture.

(Photo: Freepik)