Funding of up to 200,000 EUR for young farmers in 2026 through AFIR DR-12
The AFIR DR-12 programme opens a funding line dedicated exclusively to young farmers in Romania, who will be able to access non-refundable aid of up to 200,000 EUR for the development of…
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
European support for young farmers: a major opportunity in 2026
The AFIR DR-12 programme opens a funding line dedicated exclusively to young farmers in Romania, who will be able to access non-refundable aid of up to 200,000 EUR for developing their farms. This measure is part of the National Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 and aims to strengthen the agricultural sector by supporting the younger generation, which is essential for revitalising and modernising Romanian agriculture. The launch of the applicant's guide for public consultation marks an important stage, and agricultural entrepreneurs need to understand the real impact and the practical steps for benefiting.
Who can benefit and which types of investment are eligible
The financial support is intended for young farmers, generally authorised sole traders (PFA), family businesses, and also agricultural companies whose main farmer is aged up to 40. The aim is to encourage young people to set up or expand their agricultural businesses on a sustainable economic basis. The funding can support investment in farms, including the purchase of agricultural land, high-performance machinery and equipment, the modernisation of livestock housing, investment in digital technologies for agriculture, or structural changes that increase competitiveness.
This support also plays a role in diversifying production by developing local processing and marketing capacity and improving the quality of agricultural products, which reflects a long-term vision for stabilising farmers' incomes and reducing dependence on intermediaries. The DR-12 programme is designed to stimulate young farms especially in sectors with high growth potential in Romania, such as large-scale arable farming, horticulture, livestock farming and agri-food.
Access conditions and required documentation
Farmer eligibility imposes a few clear conditions: a maximum age of 40 at the time of enrolment in the programme, owning or committing to take over a farm, and the ability to develop a sustainable economic activity in the following period. Projects must be well substantiated technically and financially and demonstrate the economic and environmental impact of the investment, and potential beneficiaries must demonstrate the knowledge needed to manage the farm.
The documentation involves preparing a clear and realistic business plan, including financial projections for at least the next 5 years, proof of the right to use the land, tax clearance certificates, identity documents, a tax record certificate and other technical certificates related to the proposed investments. Specialist consultancy in preparing the application file is recommended, to avoid common errors or inconsistencies that can lead to applicants being rejected.
Expected impact on Romania's agricultural market
Funds of 200,000 EUR per project can be a decisive factor in professionalising and expanding young farms, which in Romania still report many challenges related to access to capital, modern technologies or sales markets. Through this programme, an increase in the area cultivated with modern techniques and an intensification of value-added agricultural production are anticipated. In addition, by encouraging young agricultural entrepreneurship, the hope is to reduce rural migration and halt the deterioration of agricultural land.
Supported projects will have to meet sustainability criteria, which will lead to the implementation of environmentally friendly farming practices – an aspect increasingly sought after by European and global markets. Young farmers will thus be able to more easily meet organic or quality certification requirements, developing competitive agricultural activities that are resilient to market fluctuations.
Practical steps for interested young farmers
The first essential step is to monitor AFIR's official announcements for the launch of the call for proposals linked to the DR-12 guide. Potential beneficiaries are advised to start preparing the necessary documents now, build a coherent and realistic business plan, and seek support for the technical side by working with consultancy firms specialising in EU funds and agriculture.
A focus on sustainability, innovation and added value is an advantage in project assessment, so projects that integrate digital technologies, precision agriculture or eco-friendly production methods will have a greater chance of success. The request for financial aid must also be accompanied by a commitment to the medium- and long-term development of the farm, to ensure business continuity and recovery of the investment.
Moreover, close attention to submission deadlines and legal requirements is important, as these may vary in detail from one call window to the next. Official notifications and AFIR guides are the primary sources of information, and taking part in information sessions or public consultations can bring important clarifications.
European funding programmes remain a real chance for young farmers to make significant investments without taking the path of heavy bank borrowing. Rigorous preparation and a full understanding of the funding mechanisms will turn this opportunity into a genuine growth engine for farms in Romania.
Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?
The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.
