Speaking at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, Bulgarian caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov stated that the lack of immediate crisis funding forces Bulgarian farmers into a difficult economic choice between low yields and high prices. Hristanov highlighted that a primary challenge for EU producers stems from the escalating costs of fuels and fertilizers following the Middle East conflict. In Bulgaria, diesel fuel prices increased by approximately 37% between February and early April, while mineral fertilizers saw a rise of around 30%.
This cost escalation coincides with the critical spring sowing period, thereby increasing production costs and undermining the competitiveness of the nation’s agricultural sector. The minister also noted market discrepancies, pointing out that the domestic milk purchase price has dropped to EUR 0.27 despite rising operational costs. Bulgaria advocates for the full utilization of all instruments under the Common Market Organisation, including the agricultural reserve and mechanisms for temporary voluntary production reductions.
Hristanov emphasized that unused funds from Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) interventions should be readily available for emergency support during production cost shocks, requiring swift activation and disbursement. Regarding the future structure of CAP, the Bulgarian delegation argued that any degressive reduction in support must not compromise competitiveness. They contended that proposed thresholds are too low, potentially harming small and medium-sized farmers crucial for food security.
Furthermore, Hristanov stressed the need for full external convergence of direct payments. Finally, concerning forest management, he called for integrated, preventive, and territorially targeted approaches—such as agroforestry and extensive grazing—to mitigate the accumulation of flammable materials and prevent wildfires.
Topics: #agriculture #bulgarian #hristanov
