The digitalization of dairy farms is considered an essential factor for competitiveness in the European Union. In Romania, only 12% of farms use digital systems to monitor production and animal health, compared to over 60% in Western countries, according to Eurostat 2024. This gap partly explains the low yields: 4,500 liters/cow/year versus 7,000–8,000 liters in the Netherlands or Denmark.

Technologies such as robotic milking, health sensors, and farm management software reduce costs by 15–20% and increase production by 10–15%. However, the initial investment—estimated at €100,000 to €300,000 for a medium-sized farm—remains a major barrier to widespread adoption in Romania.

The impact of digitalization is also visible in terms of emissions: farms using digital systems reduce feed losses and water consumption by up to 25%. This is increasingly relevant in the context of the European Green Deal and sustainability requirements.

Experts estimate that, with accelerated investments supported by the PNS and AFIR, Romania could double the share of digitalized farms by 2030. Digitalization is no longer just an option, but a condition for survival for dairy farms in the European competition.

(Photo: Freepik)