site.btaAgriculture Minister Gechev: Bulgaria Applies Many Measures to Support Farmers

Bulgaria is applying a series of measures in support of farmers so as to mitigate the impact of the economic situation and ensure the food security of the population, caretaker Agriculture, Food and Forestry Minister Yavor Gechev said Friday, as quoted by his Ministry. He was speaking at a meeting of agriculture ministers of EU Member States and some key partners of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, held in Paris on November 3 and 4. 

This was Bulgaria’s first participation in a ministerial of this format, as the country is in the process of joining the OECD. 

Gechev said that to avoid future bankruptcies, many farms need support to improve their liquidity. In his words, the expenses and losses stemming from the recent international crises in the field of healthcare and security were felt the most by agricultural producers. Special attention should be paid to promoting small farms and providing them with access to the market. These farmers play a key role in the production of quality and traditional agricultural products as well as in supplying the local markets, Gechev stressed. 

At the meeting, the agricultural ministers also discussed the topic of sustainable growth of food security. Gechev noted the particular importance of promoting digital innovations and applications in agriculture as a factor for upward trend and value added. 

Bulgaria has a system for scientific research, training and provision of advisory services for farmers, he said.

He summarized that balance should be found between guaranteeing farmers’ competitiveness and the sector’s sustainability.

Within the meeting, Deputy Agriculture Minister Georgi Sabev took part in a working group dedicated to new skills and adaptation. He underscored the need of developing digital skills among farmers and fishermen.