Crisis Funding, Bulgarian Farmers Face Choice Between Low Yields and High Prices, Caretaker Agriculture Minister Hristanov Says

Speaking at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov warned that without immediate crisis funding, Bulgarian farmers face a difficult choice between reduced yields and increased prices. The primary challenge facing EU producers, according to the Agriculture Ministry, stems from the escalating costs of fertilizers and fuels following the Middle East conflict. In Bulgaria, diesel fuel prices rose by approximately 37% between February and early April, while mineral fertilizers increased by about 30%, significantly raising production costs during the critical spring sowing season and impacting the competitiveness of Bulgarian farmers.

Hristanov also highlighted concerns in the dairy sector, noting that domestic milk purchase prices have dropped to EUR 0.27 despite rising operational costs. The Bulgarian delegation advocates for utilizing the full spectrum of instruments under the Common Market Organisation, including agricultural reserves and measures for temporary voluntary production reductions. Furthermore, the Bulgarian position stresses that unused funds from Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) interventions should be readily available for emergency support during cost shocks, requiring swift activation.

Regarding the future structure of the CAP, Hristanov advised that any degressive reduction in support must not undermine competitiveness. He argued that proposed thresholds are too low and could negatively affect small and medium-sized farms vital for food security. Beyond economic policy, Hristanov addressed sustainable forest management, advocating for practices like extensive grazing and agroforestry.

According to Bulgaria, effective wildfire prevention requires an integrated, preventive, and locally targeted approach.

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