The sheep sector remains one of Romania’s largest and most extensive livestock segments, and this year’s dynamics confirm a relative stability of the national flock. According to the National Institute of Statistics (2024), Romania exceeds 10 million head, consistently ranking among the top three EU member states for this indicator. Eurostat also confirms this stabilising trend, although several Western European countries have reported declines in their sheep populations, mainly due to economic pressures.

Exports remain a key driver of the sector. Trade data analysed in DG AGRI reports show that Romania continues to be an important supplier to non-EU markets, particularly the Middle East. However, this reliance on external destinations exposes farms to the volatility of international trade decisions and to legislative changes in importing countries.

At the national level, production costs are influenced by feed prices and access to grazing land. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, pastures—covering more than 4.5 million hectares—represent a strategic resource, although their productivity varies significantly depending on maintenance systems and stocking density. Moreover, compliance with the pasture management plans required under the 2023–2027 CAP Strategic Plan has become mandatory for accessing support schemes.

The sheep sector can remain competitive if farms continue to invest in genetics, reproductive management, and higher-value utilisation of both meat and wool.

(Photo: Freepik)