Dairy farms in Romania are feeling strong economic pressure in 2025. Costs for feed, utilities, and labor have risen significantly, while the price of raw milk has stagnated or even decreased in some regions. According to data from APIA and MADR, the average monthly cost of feeding a cow is 18% higher compared to 2023, while the delivery price of milk has increased by only 4–5% over the same period.

Farmers are forced to optimize every element of production, yet few manage to invest in modern milking equipment or digital farm management systems. Support programs such as DR-20 and DR-22 under the PNS 2023–2027 include funding lines for modernization, but bureaucracy and required co-financing remain obstacles.

Small farms are the most vulnerable, especially in the absence of a functional cooperative or a stable partnership with a processor. Those that manage to maintain a productive herd and consistent milk quality are the ones that have invested in genetics, controlled feeding, and digitalization.

Without a coherent support strategy, Romania risks losing a significant part of its local milk production, which would further increase dependence on imports.

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