Biosecurity represents the main challenge for pig farms in Romania. According to ANSVSA data, the compliance rate with European standards is only 55%, compared to over 85% in Western countries. This gap explains the persistence of African swine fever outbreaks, which have led to losses of hundreds of millions of euros over the past five years.

The costs of implementing biosecurity measures are considerable. A medium-sized farm must invest between €50,000 and €100,000 for double fencing, automated disinfection, electronic records, and strict access control. Without these investments, farms remain vulnerable, and the economic impact spreads across the entire sector.

In 2024, pig stocks dropped to 3.3 million head, 25% less than in 2018. Romania now imports nearly 40% of its domestic pork consumption, worth more than €600 million, according to Eurostat. This reliance on imports affects both food security and the trade balance.

For 2025, the CAP Strategic Plan (PNS) and AFIR include financial support for farm modernization and raising biosecurity levels. However, experts emphasize that only farms that join forces and invest in genetics, their own feed, and modern infrastructure will succeed in meeting European standards and reducing epidemiological risks.

(Photo: Freepik)