The Minister of Agriculture recently announced a significant achievement for Romanian farmers at the level of the European Union. The European Commission took an unprecedented decision in favor of amending the European Regulation, a change initiated and actively supported by Romania, thus marking an important moment in European agricultural policy.
Florin Barbu states that the basis of this initiative is the joint effort and the persistent requests from Romania, which, as early as July, began the steps to relax certain restrictions imposed on European farmers. The result of these efforts is taking shape in two major changes to the obligations for farmers, which are to be discussed and approved at next week's AgriFish Council.
Florin Barbu informs us that the first amendment aims to eliminate GAEC 8, which required farmers to maintain a percentage of 4% of land as fallow, a practice considered restrictive and ineffective by many farmers. Instead, it is proposed to provide additional financial incentives for those who choose to leave unproductive land, under a new eco-scheme, thus encouraging more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
The Minister of Agriculture officially confirms that the second major change concerns the revision of GAEC 7, related to crop rotation, removing controls and penalties for farms with an area of up to 10 hectares. This change is particularly important for small farms, giving them the flexibility they need to grow and thrive in a less restrictive regulatory framework.
Minister Florin Barbu emphasizes the importance of dialogue, ideas and joint effort in achieving this notable success: "It is a success of our country on the international level... Here we are writing history together!". He reiterates his and the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to continue to support the interests of Romanian farmers and to promote a modern and competitive Romanian agriculture at the European level.
This victory not only represents a step forward in adapting European agricultural policies to the real needs of farmers, but also strengthens Romania's position as an important and influential actor within the European Union, capable of bringing significant changes for the benefit of its citizens.
