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At the latest Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, Romania put forward a proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 to include the purchase of breeding animals as eligible expenditure under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Currently, Article 73(3)(d) excludes such investments, except in exceptional cases such as disaster recovery or conservation of local breeds.
Romania argues that allowing EAFRD funding for breeding animals of high genetic value would enhance livestock productivity, improve farm profitability, and contribute to long-term food security. Investing in high-performance breeds adapted to local conditions would also support economic stability in the sector, ensuring sustainable production and reducing reliance on imports.
The proposal highlights the strategic importance of the livestock sector, particularly in mitigating the impact of recent crises, such as the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted feed supply chains. Strengthening the livestock sector would also help integrate domestic grain production into the agri-food system, optimizing resource use and increasing added value for farmers.
Additionally, Romania underlined the environmental benefits of genetic improvement in livestock. Enhanced breeding practices could lead to lower methane emissions per unit of production, supporting the EU’s climate and sustainability goals under the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. The measure would also support agriculture in disadvantaged areas, such as mountain regions, where extensive grazing plays a key role in soil fertility and carbon sequestration.
Romania considers that this amendment aligns with the fundamental objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), ensuring a resilient, competitive, and climate-adapted agricultural sector. The proposal, if adopted, could provide European farmers with new opportunities to modernize livestock production, restore competitiveness, and reinforce food security across the EU.
March 26, 2025/ Consilium/ European Union.
https://data.consilium.europa.eu
