site.btaAgriculture Minister Ivanov Calls for Guaranteeing Enough Food at Affordable Prices in EU

Addressing an Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg, Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Ivan Ivanov made it clear that Bulgaria's support for the Green Deal will not be unconditional. He noted that Bulgaria supports the Green Deal's goals and strategic documents stemming from it, but in the short- and mid-term these goals must be carefully considered in view of guaranteeing enough food at affordable prices for all EU citizens, Ivanov's Ministry reported Thursday. 

The Bulgarian Agriculture Minister expressed support for the common document, presented by Croatia, which concerns an extraordinary measure for support under the European agricultural fund for rural development (EAFRD). He noted the urgent need for providing emergency temporary support under the EAFRD. "Bulgarian farmers are in a difficult situation and we're looking for appropriate solutions," Ivanov said. 

He also expressed support for the European Commission's initiative to introduce measures for mitigating the risks of food shortages due to disruptions of the international and European supply chains and the systemic risks related to the Ukraine crisis. In view of this, he noted the need for coordination among Member States. 

"We believe that in this difficult situation, the efforts made by the Commission and the EU Member States must be focused on guaranteeing the security of food supplies at affordable prices for all citizens," he said.