Grain Producers Threaten Protests Over Budget Exclusions and Legislative Delays
The National Grain Growers Association (NAZ) has issued a stern declaration, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Finance’s draft state budget for 2025. The association, representing the country’s grain producers, has demanded urgent meetings with the Minister of Finance and parliamentary groups to address critical omissions in the budget that threaten the stability of the grain production sector.
In a letter sent to key government officials, NAZ outlined its concerns, emphasizing the exclusion of vital funding for aid related to the war in Ukraine, investments in hydromelioration facilities, and support for irrigation. The association also criticized the lack of progress on legislative initiatives aimed at improving the sector’s sustainability.
The declaration, which was also shared with the media, was finalized during a recent meeting of NAZ’s Board of Directors. The association is now calling for immediate action to address these issues, warning of potential protests if thier demands are not met.
Declaration from the National Grain Growers Association
The grain production sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, ensuring food security and enduring growth. However, ongoing neglect of its needs poses a significant risk to the future of farming in the country. The National Association of Grain Producers (NAZ) strongly opposes the draft Law on the state Budget of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2025, citing the exclusion of critical funding and legislative initiatives.
NAZ is demanding the inclusion of the following key items in the 2025 state budget:
- Funding for state aid to support the liquidity of grain and oil crop producers, helping them mitigate the economic impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
- Investments in the restoration and construction of hydromelioration facilities, as outlined in the four-year plan proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF).
- State aid to cover the costs of water for irrigation, essential for the cultivation of agricultural crops.
In addition to these financial demands, NAZ is urging the government to expedite legislative reforms aimed at improving water resource management and reducing water losses in hydromelioration systems. The association warns that without these measures, the sector’s stability and long-term viability are at risk.
“The grain production sector is not a luxury; it is indeed a necessity for our national economy and food security,” said a spokesperson for NAZ. “We cannot afford to ignore the needs of our farmers any longer.”
The association’s declaration has sparked widespread concern among farmers and industry stakeholders, who are now calling on the government to take immediate action. If their demands are not addressed, NAZ has warned of potential protests, which could further destabilize the sector and impact the country’s food supply chain.
As the debate over the 2025 state budget continues, the grain production sector is watching closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures the future of farming in Bulgaria.
Bulgarian Grain producers Call for Urgent Action Amidst Market Challenges
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The National Association of agricultural Producers (NAZ) in Bulgaria has issued a stark warning about the dire state of the country’s grain production sector, urging immediate government intervention to address mounting challenges. The association cites a combination of global disruptions,rising production costs,and regulatory pressures as critical factors threatening the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.
Key Reforms Proposed to stabilize Agriculture
NAZ has outlined a series of policy reforms aimed at bolstering agricultural activity in Bulgaria. These include amendments to the law on Lease in Agriculture to facilitate long-term contracts for land use, the introduction of a state-regulated mechanism for rent payments tied to production and sales prices, and the creation of new laws to support branch organizations, the Agrarian Chamber, and agricultural cooperatives. Additionally,irrigation has been identified as a strategic national priority,with regulatory frameworks being streamlined to encourage investment in water-saving technologies.
“The current situation is unsustainable,” said a spokesperson for NAZ. “Farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, and without urgent action, the sector risks collapse.”
Impact of Global and Regional Shocks
The association highlights the far-reaching consequences of the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility in the Bulgarian produce market. Coupled with this, the rising cost of grain and oil crops—driven by escalating production expenses, high rent payments, and stringent environmental requirements aligned with European Union standards—has placed immense financial strain on farmers.
The European Green Deal, while aimed at promoting sustainability, has also been cited as a factor reducing the competitiveness of European farmers compared to their counterparts in third countries. Low selling prices in both domestic and international markets further exacerbate the issue, as they fail to cover the costs of production.
Call for Immediate Government Response
In response to the crisis, NAZ has sent letters to the Minister of Finance and all parliamentary groups, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss potential solutions. The association is currently awaiting a response and has emphasized the need for swift action to prevent further deterioration of the sector.
Following an extraordinary meeting of the NAZ Management Board, regional representatives announced that grain producers nationwide are prepared to protest and will defend their right to a sustainable livelihood through legal means. “We cannot stand by and watch our industry crumble,” stated a regional NAZ leader. “our farmers deserve support and recognition for their vital role in feeding the nation.”
A Race Against Time
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the association’s plea for systemic reforms and immediate financial relief. With production costs soaring and market prices failing to keep pace, the future of Bulgaria’s grain production sector hangs in the balance. NAZ’s call for action serves as a rallying cry for policymakers to prioritize the needs of the agricultural community and ensure the sector’s resilience in the face of global challenges.
As the clock ticks,the fate of thousands of farmers and the broader agricultural industry depends on the government’s willingness to engage and implement meaningful change.
date: November 12, 2024
interview: Addressing the Crisis in Bulgaria’s Grain Production Sector
The national Association of Grain Producers (NAZ) in Bulgaria has sounded the alarm over the precarious state of the country’s grain production sector. With rising production costs, market pressures, and critical exclusions in the 2025 state budget, NAZ is calling for urgent systemic reforms and financial relief. In this interview, we speak with Dr.Ivan Petrov, an agricultural economist and expert on Bulgarian farming, to discuss the challenges facing the sector and the steps needed to ensure its resilience.
The Urgency of NAZ’s Plea for Reform
Senior Editor: Dr. Petrov, thank you for joining us. The National Association of Grain Producers (NAZ) has issued a stern declaration outlining the critical state of Bulgaria’s grain production sector. What do you see as the most pressing issues driving this urgency?
Dr. Petrov: The situation is indeed dire. The combination of soaring production costs, exacerbated by global disruptions like the war in ukraine, and the lack of adequate financial support from the government has put immense pressure on farmers. Market prices are not keeping pace with these rising costs,which threatens the very survival of the sector. NAZ’s plea for systemic reforms and immediate financial relief is a necessary response to these challenges.
Budget Exclusions and Legislative Delays
Senior Editor: NAZ has specifically criticized the 2025 draft state budget for excluding vital funding.Can you elaborate on the key omissions that are causing such concern?
Dr. petrov: Absolutely. The draft budget fails to address several critical needs of the grain production sector. As a notable example, there is no funding allocated for state aid to support the liquidity of grain producers, which is essential given the economic fallout from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.Additionally, investments in hydromelioration facilities and support for irrigation, both of which are crucial for sustainable farming, are completely absent. These exclusions, coupled with the lack of progress on legislative reforms, are leaving farmers without the tools they need to navigate these challenges.
The Role of Legislative Reforms
Senior Editor: NAZ has also called for legislative reforms. What specific changes would you highlight as most vital for the sector’s stability?
Dr.Petrov: Legislative reforms are essential for creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. NAZ’s proposals include amendments to the law on Lease in Agriculture to facilitate long-term land contracts, which would provide farmers with greater security and stability. Additionally, introducing a state-regulated mechanism for rent payments tied to production and sales prices would help mitigate financial risks. Streamlining regulatory frameworks for irrigation and water resource management is another critical area that needs attention. These reforms would not only support individual farmers but also strengthen the broader agricultural ecosystem.
Potential Consequences of Inaction
Senior Editor: NAZ has warned of potential protests if their demands are not met. What are the potential consequences of the government’s inaction on this issue?
Dr. Petrov: The consequences of inaction could be severe. Without immediate intervention,we risk destabilizing the entire grain production sector,which is a cornerstone of Bulgaria’s economy. Farmers may be forced to abandon their operations, leading to a decline in food production and security. This could have ripple effects on the broader economy, including increased food prices and reduced export revenues.The potential for protests is a clear sign that the agricultural community is reaching a breaking point. It’s crucial that policymakers act swiftly to address these concerns and ensure the sector’s long-term viability.
A Call to Action for Policymakers
Senior Editor: What message would you like to send to policymakers as they consider NAZ’s demands?
Dr. Petrov: Policymakers must recognize that the grain production sector is not a luxury—it is a necessity for our national economy and food security. the time for delay is over. Immediate action is needed to address the financial and legislative gaps that are threatening the sector’s stability. By prioritizing the needs of farmers and implementing the reforms outlined by NAZ, the government can ensure the resilience of Bulgaria’s agricultural sector in the face of global challenges. The future of farming in this country depends on it.
Dr. Ivan Petrov is an agricultural economist with over 20 years of experience in the field, specializing in policy analysis and sustainable farming practices in Bulgaria.
