Speaking at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, Bulgarian caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov stated that without immediate crisis funding, Bulgarian farmers face a difficult choice between accepting low yields or facing high operational costs. According to the Ministry, a primary challenge for EU producers stems from escalating fertilizer and fuel prices following the Middle East conflict. Specifically, diesel fuel prices in Bulgaria increased by approximately 37% between February and early April, while mineral fertilizers rose by about 30%.
These increases coincide with the crucial spring sowing season, thereby elevating production costs and diminishing the competitiveness of the sector. Hristanov also addressed the dairy sector, noting that the domestic milk purchase price has fallen to EUR 0.27 despite rising input costs. The Bulgarian delegation advocated for the comprehensive use of all instruments available under the Common Market Organisation, including the agricultural reserve and measures for temporary voluntary production reduction.
The core Bulgarian position emphasizes that unused funds from Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) interventions must be accessible for emergency support during cost shocks, requiring swift activation and disbursement. Regarding the future structure of the CAP, the Minister argued that any degressive reduction in support must not undermine competitiveness. He contended that proposed thresholds are too low and could negatively impact small and medium-sized farmers, who are vital for both food security and rural economic vitality.
Furthermore, Hristanov stressed the need for full external convergence of direct payments.
Topics: #agriculture #bulgarian #hristanov
It sounds like Bulgarian farmers are in a really tough spot with funding uncertainty.