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The Bulgarian vegetable production is facing a lot of obstacles, but … According to Teodora, the recent challenges in Bulgaria are also related to the unregulated import of fruits and vegetables from other countries. The budget from European funds for the greenhouse production sector is also insufficient, despite this sector being one of the most energy-intensive, with a lot of manual labor that cannot be replaced …
Bulgarian Agriculture in Crisis: Challenges and opportunities … #BulgarianAgriculture #CropCrisis #SustainableFarming #ClimateResilience #AgriculturalInnovation In this article, we delve into the alarming statistics of Bulgaria’s fruit and vegetable harvest
URL: https://lv.vegetables.news/bulgarian-agriculture-in-crisis-challenges-and-opportunities/vegetables/
PDF BULGARIAN HORTICULTURE – ambrosiamagazine.com Figure 3: Bulgarian Market for Vegetables (MT) Source: own calculations based on MAFF data Supply growth during the period lagged behind demand. Consequently, production still cannot meet demand in 16 out of 19 seasonal products (medium figures for the 2018-2020 period): Table 2: Bulgaria Self-sufficiency rate in major F&V categories:
The farmer receives a subsidy of BGN 1153 per acre for the production of tomatoes, which, in his words, is only for the seeds. “But to protect my subsidy, I have to prove to them that I have sold 17,200 kg from that decare – one truck tomatoes. You have about 3,000 plants in one acre. You have to come about 6 kg of tomatoes from one stalk to get This crop, which is almost impossible.”
Cooperatives that unite producers and negotiate directly with the pricing chains are the reasons for a strong market position of food products such as Poland,Greece,Spain,Northern Macedonia and Turkey,but not those of Bulgaria.
Interview: The Challenges of Bulgarian Vegetable Production
Table of Contents
- Interview: The Challenges of Bulgarian Vegetable Production
- Q: teodora, can you elucidate on the recent challenges faced by the Bulgarian vegetable production sector?
- Q: Can you explain how cooperative unions could have influenced the market position of food products in countries like Poland, Greece, and Turkey?
- Q: What specific changes or policies do you consider necessary to support the Bulgarian vegetable production sector?
- Q: What are the long-term implications of the current state of Bulgarian vegetable production?
- Conclusion:
Q: teodora, can you elucidate on the recent challenges faced by the Bulgarian vegetable production sector?
A: certainly. One of the key challenges,as I’ve observed,is the unregulated import of fruits and vegetables from other countries. This unfettered competition makes it difficult for local farmers to stay competitive. Furthermore, the budget allocated from European funds for the greenhouse production sector is insufficient, predominantly because this sector is incredibly energy-intensive and reliant on extensive manual labor that cannot be easily automated.
The situation is further compounded by the low financial support provided to farmers. As an exmaple, a farmer receives a subsidy of BGN 1153 per acre for tomato production. However, as Damyanov highlighted, this amount is barely enough to cover the cost of seeds. To further complicate matters, the farmer must also prove they have sold a minimum of 17,200 kg (one truck’s worth) of tomatoes from that single acre to maintain their subsidy.
Q: Can you explain how cooperative unions could have influenced the market position of food products in countries like Poland, Greece, and Turkey?
A: Absolutely. Cooperatives play a significant role in uniting producers and negotiating directly with retail pricing chains. In countries like Poland, Greece, and Turkey, these cooperatives have strengthened the market position of their food products substantially. Sadly, Bulgaria hasn’t been able to replicate this model as effectively, which has hurt its market standing.
Q: What specific changes or policies do you consider necessary to support the Bulgarian vegetable production sector?
A: Firstly, the budget allocated to the greenhouse production sector from European funds needs to be increased. Improving the subsidies for farmers, especially in terms of making them more realistic and manageable, is crucial. Secondly, greater regulation on the import of fruits and vegetables can definitely help balance the market. forming and supporting cooperative unions in Bulgaria can foster direct negotiations with pricing chains,thereby boosting local market competitiveness.
Q: What are the long-term implications of the current state of Bulgarian vegetable production?
A: if the challenges remain unaddressed, it could led to a significant decline in agricultural productivity and profitability in Bulgaria. Local farmers will find it increasingly difficult to sustain their operations, leading to a potential brain drain from the sector. This will,in turn,affect the long-term food security and economic stability of the region.
Conclusion:
The Bulgarian vegetable production is grappling with substantial obstacles, including inadequate budgetary support, unregulated foreign imports, and a lack of effective cooperative frameworks. Addressing these challenges with targeted policies and increased support could revitalize the sector,boost local economies,and improve market competitiveness.
