Speaking at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, Bulgarian caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov cautioned that the lack of crisis funding forces Bulgarian farmers into difficult economic choices between reduced yields and unfavorable pricing structures. Hristanov highlighted that a primary challenge confronting EU producers is the escalating cost of fertilizers and fuels, driven by the conflict in the Middle East. In Bulgaria, the financial strain is evident, with diesel fuel prices increasing by approximately 37% between February and early April, while mineral fertilizers rose by about 30%.
These increases coincide with the crucial spring sowing period, thereby elevating production costs and undermining the competitiveness of the nation’s agricultural sector. Furthermore, the minister noted the dairy market, where domestic milk purchase prices have declined to EUR 0.27 despite rising input costs. Bulgaria advocates for the full utilization of instruments available under the Common Market Organisation, including the agricultural reserve and measures for temporary voluntary production reductions.
The Bulgarian position emphasizes that unused funds from Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) interventions must be readily accessible for emergency support during periods of production cost shocks, requiring swift activation. Regarding the future structure of the CAP, Hristanov argued that any degressive reduction in support must not compromise competitiveness. He stated that current proposed thresholds are overly low and risk negatively impacting small and medium-sized farms, which are vital for rural economies and food security.
He also stressed the need for complete external convergence of direct payments. Finally, concerning sustainable practices, Hristanov advocated for integrated, preventive, and localized approaches to wildfire management,
Topics: #agriculture #bulgarian #hristanov
