Bulgarian farmers gathered at the “Farm” forum in Stara Zagora,hosted by Enterprise magazine,to delve into the latest updates regarding area and animal payment requirements. The event, focused on navigating the evolving landscape of agricultural subsidies, provided valuable insights for those in the industry.
Adelina Stoyanova, Director of the “Direct Payments” Directorate at the ministry of Agriculture and Food, led the discussion, outlining key changes impacting farmers. A significant advancement centered around the eco-scheme for maintaining ecological diversity and infrastructure (Eco BREI),which now includes support for fallows.
“the mandatory requirement that at least four percent of arable land be used for non-production areas has been lifted,” Stoyanova explained. “This change prevents situations where all areas on a farm are classified as fallow and eligible for support.”
Farmers participating in the Eco BREI scheme will receive 50 euros per hectare for maintaining fallows.Stoyanova emphasized the importance of adhering to the requirement of at least one processing between January 1st and July 15th, with no further activity permitted during that period.
The forum also addressed the issue of “inadmissible layers” designated by the Ministry of Habitat and Water. These areas, restricted for agricultural activity to protect natural habitats, previously prevented landowners from accessing support. Following discussions between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Environment and Water, adjustments have been made to alleviate this challenge.
Stoyanova clarified that farmers with land falling within these “inadmissible layers” now have the option to choose choice support schemes.
Bulgarian farmers now have two new options to support ecological practices on their land,thanks to a recent initiative by the Bulgarian Ministry of agriculture. These options aim to promote enduring agriculture and biodiversity while ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts.
The first option encourages farmers to dedicate portions of their land to ecological infrastructure and non-production areas for a period of one year. By enrolling in this scheme, farmers can receive €98 per hectare for these designated areas, which they will not cultivate during this time. this allows for the preservation of natural habitats and promotes biodiversity.
farmers who choose not to participate in this scheme retain the freedom to manage and cultivate these areas according to their existing farming practices.
In conjunction with this initiative, the Bulgarian government is also promoting the creation of buffer strips within cultivated land. These strips, ranging from 1 to 20 meters wide, can be situated either within a plot or at its edges, offering farmers flexibility in their implementation.
“That’s why we have included as a practice the creation of buffer strips in cultivated land.Until now, the practice was to maintain buffer strips, now there is a rate of creation of such strips in arable land at the rate of 451 euros per hectare.”
– Mariya Stoyanova, Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture
Farmers receive €451 per hectare for establishing these buffer strips, which can be planted with various cover options, including natural vegetation, fallow land, or specific flowering plants. The use of invasive species is prohibited.
Highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture, Minister Stoyanova emphasized the need to balance economic viability with social and environmental considerations.
“To achieve sustainable agriculture, we need to pay attention to economic sustainability and farmers receive a fair income to be competitive. social sustainability must be put first. It is indeed critically important for us to first we guarantee a favorable enough environment for you to live and work in to you provide enough production.”
– Mariya Stoyanova, Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture
These new initiatives demonstrate Bulgaria’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.
## Navigating the Shifting Sands: Bulgarian Farmers adapt to New Agricultural Subsidy Landscape
**World Today News:** The agricultural landscape is constantly evolving, with new regulations and support schemes emerging to address contemporary challenges. This is especially true for Bulgarian farmers, who recently gathered at the “Farm” forum in Stara Zagora to navigate the latest updates regarding area and animal payment requirements. We spoke with Adelina Stoyanova, Director of the “Direct Payments” Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, to understand these key changes and their impact on Bulgarian farmers.
**World Today News:** Ms. Stoyanova, can you elaborate on the key changes impacting farmers regarding agricultural subsidies?
**Adelina stoyanova:** Certainly.One significant advancement concerns the eco-scheme for maintaining ecological diversity and infrastructure (Eco BREI), which now encompasses support for fallows. This is a welcome advancement for farmers looking to implement more sustainable land management practices.
**World Today News:** What are the specifics of this new fallow support?
**Adelina Stoyanova:** A notable change is the removal of the mandatory requirement that at least four percent of arable land be used for non-production areas. This prevents situations where all areas on a farm are classified as fallow and therefore eligible for support. Farmers participating in the Eco BREI scheme will now receive 50 euros per hectare for maintaining fallows.
**World Today News:** Are there any stipulations regarding the fallow land?
**Adelina Stoyanova:** yes,itS crucial for farmers to adhere to the requirement of at least one processing between January 1st and July 15th,with no further activity permitted during that period.
**World Today News:** The forum also addressed the topic of “inadmissible layers.” Can you explain the situation and what changes have been made?
**Adelina Stoyanova:** These areas, designated by the Ministry of Habitat and Water to protect natural habitats, previously prevented landowners from accessing support, even for portions of land not within the protected zones.
Through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Environment and Water, adjustments have been made to address this challenge. Farmers with land falling within these “inadmissible layers” now have the option to choose specific support schemes based on their individual circumstances.
**World Today News:** How do these recent developments impact Bulgarian farmers moving forward?
**Adelina Stoyanova:** These changes demonstrate the Bulgarian government’s commitment to supporting farmers while promoting environmentally sustainable practices. Providing adaptability and choice empowers farmers to make informed decisions that benefit both their livelihoods and the environment.
**World Today News:** Ms. Stoyanova, thank you for providing such valuable insights into these important developments.
**Adelina Stoyanova:** it was my pleasure.
