Agricultural cooperatives represent an essential mechanism for strengthening dairy cow farms in Romania. At present, only 12% of farms are integrated into an associative form, compared to over 70% in Western countries such as Denmark or the Netherlands. This difference is directly reflected in competitiveness and bargaining power on the milk market.

Small farms, with herds of under 50 head, are the most vulnerable. They obtain prices 10–15% lower for the milk delivered, due to the lack of infrastructure and small volumes. By joining cooperatives, farmers can access modern collection centers, negotiate more advantageous contracts, and reduce logistical costs.

In 2024, the average price of raw milk at the farm gate was 2.35 lei/liter, but in well-organized cooperatives it reached 2.5–2.6 lei/liter. The difference reflects not only the volume collected but also consistent quality and primary processing capacity.

For 2025, the CAP Strategic Plan (PNS) provides incentives for cooperatives and producer groups, and specialists estimate that the number of integrated farms could grow by 20–25% over the next five years. The survival of small and medium-sized farms depends on this association, which turns fragmentation into a competitive advantage.

(Photo: Freepik)