Manure management is an essential component of modern farms, both from the perspective of compliance with European directives and environmental protection. According to the European Commission – the Nitrates and Industrial Emissions Directives – Member States must limit the impact of farms on water and air, and Romania is no exception. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) and the Agency for Rural Investment Financing (AFIR) include these requirements in the evaluation of funded projects, and compliance becomes mandatory for accessing support.

According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and DG AGRI reports, cattle and pig farms are the most exposed in terms of manure volumes. Improper storage can generate nitrogen losses, ammonia emissions, and pollution risks. European data show that the use of impermeable platforms, covered lagoons, and modern solid–liquid separation systems can reduce emissions by 20–40%.

Through the CAP Strategic Plan (PNS) 2023–2027, Romania supports investments in manure management systems, including equipment for loading, transport, composting, and spreading. AFIR, in its 2024 evaluations, confirms strong interest from farms in modernizing these systems. In many cases, such investments lead to more efficient use of organic fertilizers and increased soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical inputs.

In the long run, proper manure management becomes not only a legal obligation but also a strategic investment for the sustainability of farms, in a European context focused on reducing emissions and protecting natural resources.

(Photo: Freepik)