Romania’s Poultry Sector: Growth, Export Strength, and the Shift to Sustainable Production

Romanian poultry farms produced approximately 425,000 tonnes of poultry meat in 2024, according to INS data, accounting for over 40% of domestic meat consumption. The poultry sector is one of the most integrated in the meat industry, with value chains that encompass chicken rearing, slaughterhouses, and processing facilities.

Production costs have risen by around 15% over the past two years, driven mainly by higher feed, energy, and transport expenses. Despite these increases, Romania remains among the largest poultry meat exporters in Central and Eastern Europe, with key markets in EU countries and the Middle East.

A Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) report shows that farms with over 50,000 birds achieve superior economic efficiency, with average production costs 12% lower than those of smaller farms. At the same time, demand for Clean Label and antibiotic-free poultry products is steadily increasing, prompting investments in more sustainable rearing technologies.

In 2025, non-reimbursable funding through the National Strategic Plan (PNS) and AFIR includes dedicated lines for modernizing housing facilities, installing automated feeding and monitoring systems, and improving energy efficiency. Experts estimate that farms adopting such technologies could reduce costs by 10–15% while increasing output by up to 20%.

(Photo: Freepik)