site.btaBulgarian Deputy Agriculture Minister Expresses Concern about Continuing Appreciation of Basic Agriculture and Food Products

During an Agriculture and Fisheries EU Council meeting on May 24, Bulgarian Deputy Agriculture Minister Momchil Nekov said that Bulgaria is concerned about the continuing appreciation of basic agriculture and food products due to the rising production costs in recent months, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Nekov took part in a discussion on the situation on agricultural markets following the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

In the end of May 2022, the bread wheat price in Bulgaria increased by 68%, year-on-year. Maize prices rose by 55% and sunflower prices increased by 63%, year-on-year.

Nekov said that fertilizer prices increased three to four times, compared to the same period in 2021. Livestock production is shrinking in the long term, and the added value is steadily falling, he added.

The market disturbances caused by the war in Ukraine raise concerns about providing food at affordable prices for consumers in Bulgaria, and about the economic results of agricultural holdings, the Minister said.

The aims of the European Green Deal should be carefully rethought to ensure enough food at affordable prices for all EU citizens and maintain the competitiveness of European farmers, Nekov also said.