Romanian Precision Agriculture Consortium aims to boost productivity and reduce farming costs through precision technologies

Bucharest, 27 April 2026 – The adoption of precision agriculture technologies in Romania can reduce crop protection costs by 20% and fertilization costs by 15%, while also increasing productivity, according to data presented at the launch of the Romanian Precision Agriculture Consortium (RPAC). The consortium aims to transform Romanian agriculture through technology, applied research and institutional collaboration.

“Precision agriculture is one of Romania’s fastest and most realistic opportunities to modernise its agricultural sector. Today, only one in four local farms uses digital tools, while the potential to close the gap with other European countries is significant. Through coordinated action, Romania can increase agricultural productivity, reduce costs and better protect natural resources. The challenge is not the lack of technology, but the ability to scale it, ensure coordination and improve access — precisely the areas where the Romanian Precision Agriculture Consortium aims to make a real impact,” said Dinu Bumbăcea, Partner and Advisory Leader, PwC Romania.

The Memorandum of Understanding for the launch of the Romanian Precision Agriculture Consortium was signed on Friday, 24 April, followed by the consortium members’ first working meeting.

The Romanian Precision Agriculture Consortium (RPAC) brings together key partners from the fields of research, innovation, education and consulting: the National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies – IMT Bucharest, the National Institute of Research-Development for Machines and Installations Designed for Agriculture and Food Industry – INMA Bucharest, the National Research and Development Institute for Food Bioresources – IBA Bucharest, the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV), and PwC Romania.

The consortium’s mission is to increase the productivity of Romania’s agricultural sector by around 20% by reducing losses, improving quality consistency, lowering production costs and ensuring traceability from field to consumer.

“Across the production chain, precision agriculture can reduce losses by around 10–15% and cut input costs by as much as 20–30%, while enabling more consistent quality and full product traceability. As a result, Romania’s food system can become more efficient, competitive and resilient,” said Siemon Smid, Director, Public Sector and EU Funds, PwC Romania.

The initiative also seeks to support the long-term viability of farms through circular economy approaches and by aligning new agricultural practices with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Policy.

Among RPAC’s strategic objectives is attracting national and European funding for projects worth EUR 30 million over the next 24 months.

A distinctive feature of the consortium is its “Living Lab” approach, based on pilot implementations rooted in the real needs of the agricultural sector. This model is designed to accelerate knowledge transfer and the adoption of innovative solutions across farms and the wider agri-food ecosystem.

RPAC initiatives will include smart farm monitoring through field sensors, remote sensing and predictive analytics, advanced irrigation solutions, soil health monitoring, the efficient use of organic fertilisers, reducing losses across the value chain, and full traceability through blockchain and QR codes. The consortium will also promote the digitalisation of agriculture through AI, IoT, satellite technologies and digital twins.

The launch of the Romanian Precision Agriculture Consortium marks an important step for Romania’s future economic stability and for strengthening its technological positioning. In an increasingly competitive European and global environment, the consortium aims to contribute to a more productive, sustainable and market-connected agricultural sector.

About PwC

At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We’re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 370,000 people in 149 countries. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting we help build, accelerate and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com