Foto DN Agrar Group SA
Romania’s agricultural sector balances traditional practices with the need for more sustainable farming methods. With a focus on livestock farming and manure management, the country faces challenges in boosting productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Meanwhile, the Netherlands offers cutting-edge expertise in manure processing, soil health, and circular agriculture. This creates ample opportunity for collaboration between the two nations, where knowledge exchange and innovative practices can help Romania develop sustainability and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Located at the eastern EU border, Romania has an area of 238,391 km², making it six times larger than the Netherlands. It is home to approximately 19 million people, with about 13 million hectares of agricultural land—9 million hectares of arable land and 3.6 million hectares of pastures and hayfields. With 45% of the population living in rural areas and 18% working in agriculture, Romania remains largely an agricultural country. However, livestock numbers are below the country’s feed base’s sustainable capacity. Romania has 1.8 million bovines, 3.2 million pigs (it imports pork and piglets), but much higher numbers of poultry (79 million) and sheep and goats (almost 12 million).
Romania’s farming structure is not very diverse, consisting of many small family farms (2.8 million) and relatively few large farms (around 25,000 registered companies). The development of middle-sized farms has been slow.
Nutrient shortage and lack of organic and chemical fertilizers
Traditionally, Romanian farmers prefer synthetic fertilizers, according to the National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science, Agrochemistry, and Environment (ICPA Bucharest).
The figure above shows the downward trend in the use of synthetic fertilizers in Romania in the 90’s, after the fall of communism and dismantling of large farms and cooperatives, and the growing trend after 2007 (EU accession). While the application of organic fertilizers is done on less than 7% of the agricultural area.
The lack of proper manure storage and improper use of organic and chemical fertilizers, especially among small farms, has led to unintended water pollution with nitrates. In larger, more intensive livestock operations, manure management systems are more efficient, but these are mostly found on commercial farms.
Romania’s geopolitical situation has caused fluctuations in the availability and price of synthetic fertilizers. Meanwhile, soil quality continues to decline. According to ICPA Bucharest, Romania does not produce enough manure to adequately fertilize its farmland.
Since 1989, this has led to nutrient shortages in Romanian soils, especially due to small farmers’ inability to provide sufficient fertilization and proper crop management. The two tables below show Romania’s nitrogen and phosphorus imbalances, demonstrating these nutrient deficiencies compared to the EU.
Policies: between intentions and results
The Romanian government aims to develop its livestock sector and reduce dependency on imports. However, reversing the downward trend in dairy and pig farming has proven challenging, despite EU and domestic support for animal breeding. Environmental concerns are also growing regarding the impact of current and future livestock farms.
The Nitrates Action Plan (information only available in Romanian) requires local public administration authorities to decide on the manure storage system used in administrative territorial units (ATUs), considering local conditions. Options include communal, individual, or combined systems. Larger farms can apply for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds to modernize manure management systems. Smaller farms can apply for EU funds through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), which includes a special financing line for manure management at the commune level.
In autumn 2023, the Ministry of Environment allocated €228 million from the NRRP to finance manure collection and recovery systems at the communal level. The funding is divided into €172 million for new manure management systems and €56 million for modernizing existing systems. These funds cover expenses for site preparation, construction, installation, and equipment for transporting and spreading manure.
‘Romania does not produce enough manure to adequately fertilize its farmland’
LAN team promotion of circular agriculture
The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) team at the Dutch Embassy in Bucharest has proactively promoted circular agriculture, even before it became a common term in Romania and its neighboring country Bulgaria. Early efforts by the LAN team include organizing circular agriculture tours with Dutch experts, hosting the Circular Agriculture Challenge during the pandemic in a Dutch owned supermarket parking lot in Bucharest, and producing a booklet on Dutch soil and water management solutions which Romanian farmers can get inspiration from.
In 2024, the LAN team organized a major event on healthy soils during Romania’s INDAGRA fair, highlighting the role of soil health in food production and sustainability. Recognizing Romania’s dual farming structure, both small and large farms contribute to rural vitality and food security. As such, sustainability must be central to both production systems.
The LAN team supported the regenerative agriculture initiative of ALPA in Transylvania by forming a team with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), and Nieuwe Bodem, a Dutch regenerative farm. This collaboration resulted in the development of a business strategy for a training center and a pilot farm focused on regenerative agriculture practices.
Additionally, DN Agrar, a Dutch company that entered the Romanian dairy sector in the mid-2000s, has grown into the country’s largest integrated dairy farm. The company’s commitment to sustainable practices includes investing in a biomethane production facility using manure, as well as a manure composting facility. An interview with Peter de Boer, a member of DN Agrar’s Board of Directors, provides further insights into this initiative. You can read the interview with him below.
Opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research, and collaboration
Romania’s livestock density (0.35 livestock units per hectare of utilized agricultural area) is among the lowest in the EU, while the Netherlands has the highest density. Romania also faces nutrient deficits in its soils, while the Netherlands experiences surpluses. This contrast presents opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research, and collaboration on organic fertilizers and RENURE products (which can replace synthetic fertilizers). Other potential areas for cooperation include dairy farming development, manure management technology, and equipment supply.
To explore these possibilities, the Dutch knowledge center for the valorization of manure (NCM) has expressed interest in conducting a survey on Romania, tentatively scheduled for the second half of 2025. Additionally, the LAN team in Bucharest is planning a high-level Dutch agri-food mission to Romania, most likely coinciding with the INDAGRA fair, which will be held from October 29 until November 2, 2025. The mission will focus on dairy and organic fertilizer sectors, which could greatly benefit from such a collaboration. To indicate your interest in joining, please contact the LAN team in Bucharest.
More information
Would you like to know more about the Romanian manure and fertilizer market? You can visit the country page of Romania at the website Agroberichtenbuitenland of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature. You can also send an email to the LAN team at the Dutch Embassy in Bucharest: BKR-lvvn@minbuza.nl.
Interview DN AGRAR
DN AGRAR Group is the largest integrated zootechnical farm in Straja, Romania, with cow milk production and vegetable production. Below you will find an interview with Peter de Boer, BoD Member & Strategy and IR Director.
DN AGRAR
Your Romanian dairy adventure started in 2008. Why Romania?
‘The DN AGRAR journey began in 2008, when Romania’s agribusiness sector had great potential but faced challenges. My father, Jan de Boer, saw an opportunity in large-scale milk production with increasing milk consumption. Drawing on 20+ years of experience on advising farms in the Netherlands and Germany, he chose Romania – specifically Alba County – due to its climate and soil conditions.’
How would you describe your experience with dairy farming in Romania?
‘Our goal was to become a leader in agribusiness, setting standards for efficiency and sustainability. The Dutch and German expertise brought to DN AGRAR helped us achieve high productivity and sustainability, especially through projects in automation, animal welfare, energy use, soil conservation, and waste management. This is how we have managed to develop and establish new standards for high-tech dairy and crop farms. Our aim has always been to integrate circular agriculture, boosting productivity while supporting the local economy and environment.’
DN AGRAR is developing a strategy towards 2030. What are the main goals and expected results?
‘Since being listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange in 2022, we’ve tripled our business. By 2027, we aim to double our operations by focusing on efficiency, new farms like the one in Straja, and acquisitions. We’re expanding sustainability with another compost factory and starting a partnership for Romania’s largest biomethane project (15–20-megawatt capacity). This will help reduce emissions and diversify revenue. We’re investing in automation and aiming to expand crop production to 10,000 hectares, with sustainability initiatives like solar panels and eco-friendly farming techniques. DN AGRAR is positioned to become a European leader in sustainable agriculture. By 2027/2028, our goal is to produce 100 million liters of milk annually.’
You are currently working on perhaps the largest biomethane project in Romania. How did this idea develop and how does it contribute to the sustainability of your farms?
‘The biomethane project aligns with our long-term vision for sustainability. In 2024, we signed a cooperation agreement for the largest biomethane production facility in Romania, with a total capacity between 15 and 20 MW. DN AGRAR will supply the raw material for biomethane production through a long-term contract to ensure sustainability and BSOG Energy will develop the facility. Project execution is expected to take over two years from the signing of the final agreement. By using manure from our own farms in biogas production, DN AGRAR will reduce its carbon emissions by 90%. This project is a testament to our forward-thinking strategy, ensuring long-term profitability while actively contributing to a more sustainable agribusiness sector.’
What do you see as main opportunities and challenges for the Netherlands, Romania and their collaboration?
‘Both countries have unique opportunities and face challenges in circularity, food security and manure management. Romania can benefit from Dutch expertise in creating value-added products from manure, such as organic fertilizers and biogas. This would improve soil health and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, improving long-term agricultural sustainability. I believe that the key opportunity for collaboration lies in knowledge exchange and technology transfer. The Netherlands has advanced expertise in manure processing technologies. Sharing knowledge with Romania can help develop local capacity for responsible manure management and create a more circular agricultural system.’
‘This could involve joint research projects, training programs for farmers and agricultural professionals, and the development of tailored solutions adapted to the Romanian context. For the collaboration to be successful, both governments should cooperate and create a supportive regulatory framework that encourages innovation and investment in sustainable agriculture practices. By focusing on these key areas, the Netherlands and Romania can create a mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to a more circular and food-secure future.’
What is a possible role or opportunity for your company in this context? And how could we partner in that?
‘DN AGRAR, as Romania’s largest integrated zootechnical farm, is well-positioned to enhance sustainability across its operations. Our vertical integration allows us to focus on responsible land management, animal welfare, and resource efficiency. We aim to be a leader in sustainable dairy farming in Europe, and we see opportunities for partnerships in training, pilot projects, and promoting innovative technologies.’
‘From a partnership perspective, we could develop training programs for sustainable dairy farming practices or pilot projects. For example: presenting innovative technologies in milk production. This type of partnership would allow us to amplify our impact, accelerate progress towards shared goals, and create a more sustainable and thriving agricultural sector.’
To conclude: is manure more a burden or a resource?
‘Manure is a valuable resource in our sustainability strategy. In November 2024, we launched our first compost factory, converting 21,000 tons of manure into 7,000 tons of organic fertilizer annually. We plan to expand production, with a second compost factory by the end of 2025, to 14,000 tons by 2026. Additionally, DN AGRAR has initiated the process of obtaining voluntary carbon certificates. This project involves an initial investment of €180,000 and a 2-year process and is projected to generate approximately 16,000 certificates.’
‘DN AGRAR’s approach to soil health and biodiversity conservation centers on precision agriculture, organic fertilizers usage, and regenerative soil practices, including crop rotation, direct seeding, and no-till and minimum-till technologies. Satellite monitoring assesses crop health, drones help with localized pest detection and treatment, and adapted crop plans (including the use of cover crops) maintain soil moisture and fertility. These technologies have significantly reduced our environmental footprint and paved the way for more efficient and sustainable agriculture.’
