Romania’s Poultry Sector Under Pressure from New EU Animal Welfare Standards

The Romanian poultry sector is under pressure from the new animal welfare standards imposed at the European level. According to the European Commission, member states must adopt strict regulations by 2027 regarding housing density, natural lighting, and access to outdoor areas.

For Romanian farms, adaptation requires significant investments. The costs of modernizing a poultry house are estimated at €200–€400 per capacity unit, which exceeds the financial capabilities of many small and medium-sized holdings. Without financial support, there is a risk that a considerable number of farms will exit the market.

At the same time, demand for meat and eggs produced under higher welfare standards is growing, especially in modern retail. Experts estimate that investments made now could bring a competitive advantage in the future, when consumers will be more willing to pay higher prices for certified products.

(Photo: Freepik)