The European Union has introduced new welfare standards for poultry farms, which are to be implemented progressively by 2027. These include reducing stocking density, providing access to movement areas, and improving ventilation and lighting. Romania, with an annual production of 1.4 million tons of poultry meat and 6.4 billion eggs, according to Eurostat, will be directly affected.

Adaptation costs are significant. A medium-sized farm must invest between 100,000 and 250,000 euros to comply with the new rules. Without these investments, many operations risk exiting the market. However, farms that quickly adopt the standards will benefit from preferential access to foreign markets and prices 15–20% higher for certified products.

In 2024, Romania’s poultry meat exports reached 300,000 tons, but the average price of 2,100 euros/ton was 12% below the European average. Aligning with welfare standards could reduce this gap and strengthen Romania’s position in regional competition.

In the long term, adapting to these standards is not only an obligation but also an opportunity for market differentiation. Products originating from high-welfare systems are increasingly in demand, and Romania can turn this trend into a competitive advantage.

(Photo: Freepik)