Maramureș dairy farm transition cost-benefit analysis

This document presents a cost-benefit analysis of transitioning to a sustainable agroecological farm model in Romania’s Maramureș Mountains, focusing on integrating local gastronomy and dairy production. It details initial and ongoing investment costs—such as authorisation, advisory, infrastructure, machinery, and working capital—alongside economic, environmental, and social outcomes. Key findings include a moderate payback period, mid-level value addition, and potential agri-environmental income, though energy and input savings are minimal or unknown. Environmental and social benefits like biodiversity, soil regeneration, and youth engagement are assessed as moderate or uncertain. The analysis draws on EU-funded research, including studies on local gastronomic hubs and mountain food value chains, and references the Visionary Project. All views are those of the authors and do not reflect institutional positions.