APIA opens payment call windows for animal welfare in the 2026 campaign: opportunities and essential steps for farmers

The Payments and Intervention Agency for Agriculture (APIA) has announced the opening of the submission period for payment applications under the DR-06 Intervention – Animal Welfare scheme, an integral part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027. This scheme aims to support farmers in improving animal husbandry conditions, with a clear focus on the welfare of pigs and poultry, through two distinct packages: Package a) payments for pig welfare, and Package b) payments for poultry welfare.

By opening this call, APIA offers farmers a new opportunity to access EU funds to raise livestock standards and adapt farming activities to modern animal welfare requirements, an aspect that responds both to European legislative pressures and to market demand for products obtained in ethically responsible conditions.

Background to the animal welfare support schemes

Under the CAP 2023-2027, animal welfare has become an essential component, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and European sustainability policy. Intervention DR-06 aims to encourage farmers to invest in more animal-friendly husbandry conditions, such as reducing stocking density in shelters, using technologies and practices that reduce animal stress, and improving the living environment for animals.

From an economic standpoint, this type of support is vital for farms that wish to align with European requirements and secure a competitive position on the domestic and foreign markets, as well as to prevent potential penalties for failing to comply with welfare standards.

Who can apply and what submitting an application involves

Active farmers carrying out livestock activities in the pig and poultry sectors, including small and medium-sized farms that meet the specific conditions set out in the beneficiary's guide, can submit payment applications for the 2026 campaign. Applications can be submitted until 3 February 2026; the deadline is strict in order to allow efficient processing and timely payment of the financial support.

Submitting an application involves putting together a file that includes:

• evidence of the farm structure and the eligible animal numbers;
• supporting documentation showing that the welfare conditions are met in line with the required standards;
• the official forms provided by APIA for the DR-06 scheme.

It is essential to use the APIA electronic platform to submit applications, and farmers are advised to inform themselves thoroughly before submitting, to avoid rejection on technical or documentary grounds.

The impact of EU funds on the Romanian livestock sector

Access to payments that support animal welfare has a multiplier effect on the agricultural economy. In the short term, farmers benefit from a financial contribution that can be used for investment in infrastructure, equipment or changes to farming practices. In the long term, these measures help raise the quality of animal products, reduce health risks and improve Romania's image as a responsible producer within the European Union.

In addition, these payments encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices, which create added value through respect for the environment and animal welfare, aspects that are increasingly decisive for access to more demanding sales markets.

Next steps for farmers

Farmers interested in this scheme should follow these steps carefully:

• checking the eligibility of your own animal numbers and the conditions imposed for each package;
• consulting the official guide and attending any information sessions organised by APIA;
• preparing the documentation and completing the payment application correctly through the electronic service;
• meeting the deadline of 3 February 2026 for submitting applications;
• maintaining animal welfare throughout the entire production cycle in order to be eligible for the support granted.

Finally, farmers who access this support are invited to regard the development of animal welfare not merely as a legal obligation, but as an opportunity for sustainable development and increased competitiveness in the medium and long term.

By facilitating this process, APIA offers a concrete chance to modernise the Romanian livestock sector, align it with European standards and meet strategic needs related to animal protection, in the context of the CAP 2023-2027.

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