Market Intelligence
Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Romania

Romania Irrigation Infrastructure

Romania has traditionally been a leading agricultural producer in the European Union (EU) of wheat, corn, sunflowers, and soybeans. However, sustained drought and diminishing productivity rates, combined with aging and insufficient water and energy infrastructure have lessened the country’s standing as a net exporter. This signals opportunity for innovative water solutions and system expertise from U.S. suppliers.

The State of Irrigation Canals

Romania has a large national network of irrigation canals. However, this infrastructure has fallen into disrepair. At present, less than 20% of the 6,200-mile irrigation canal infrastructure is being utilized, irrigating less than 10% of Romania’s arable land. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Romania launched a $1 billion U.S. dollar program in 2017 to rehabilitate the primary irrigation canal networks from the state budget. However, the allocated amount was insufficient to upgrade the entire canal system. Romania subsequently sought $1 billion USD in additional funds from the European Commission for the rehabilitation of secondary irrigation canals through the 2014-2021 Multiannual Financial Framework of EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, including a 2021-2023 transition period, but only for rehabilitating secondary irrigation canals.

Best Prospects for U.S. Suppliers of Smart and Clean Irrigation Technologies

New tenders present a clear opportunity for U.S. suppliers of technologies such as pumping stations and irrigation systems utilizing clean energy, as well as smart water management technologies that support digital irrigation, software sensors and other technologies such as water monitoring, usage, conservation, filtration, purification, and de-salination.


U.S. manufacturers of integrated renewable energy technologies, efficient irrigation water management solutions and high-precision agricultural equipment will find strong demand in the Romanian market, but a limited, yet growing, number of buyers. Small and medium holder farms with more than 250 acres make up a very small proportion of Romania’s farms. The country’s limited number of large-scale commercial farms are investing to increase productivity.


Trade Event Opportunities for U.S. Companies in Romania

  • May 25– 28, 2023: Expo AgriPlanta – RomAgroTec: Open-Air Exhibition, Trial Fields & Machinery Demonstration, Fundulea, Calarasi County, www.agriplanta.ro
  • October 25–29, 2023: INDAGRA - International Trade Fair of Equipment and Products in Agriculture, Horticulture, Viticulture & Animal Husbandry, Bucharest, www.indagra.ro/en
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