Until 2029, the sector will be able to count on BGN 42 million per year for humane treatment and participate in investment interventions from the Strategic Plan
Poultry farming is an innovative sector that provides highly efficient industrial production. This was said by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr Lozana Vasileva during the official opening of the 44th International Poultry Conference Smart Poultry World, in Sofia. The chairman of the Commission for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Ivan Ivanov, the chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce Dobri Mitrev and the chairman of the Board of the Union of Poultry Breeders in Bulgaria Ivaylo Galabov also took part in the opening.
The event is open to visitors on September 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on September 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Inter Expo Center, Sofia.
“Over the past three years, the sector has maintained its resilience and continues to develop, regardless of the accompanying challenges,” noted Lozana Vasileva. According to her, despite the outbreaks of bird flu, there is a trend of increasing white meat production. The total yield of poultry meat and offal in the country in 2023 increased by 1.7%, reaching 122,081 tons on an annual basis. Industrial production grew by 1.4%, accounting for 99% of total output. In 2023, the production of eggs for consumption will also increase – by 0.8% on an annual basis, up to 1.2 million pieces. There is also a consolidation of farms breeding chickens. “This is the result of the implementation of new technologies and widespread processes of mechanization and automation,” the deputy minister pointed out.
Dr. Vasileva emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food conducts a consistent policy both in support of the livestock sector and, in particular, of poultry farming. She noted that one of the measures that helps the development of the industry is the state aid scheme for the implementation of voluntary commitments for the humane treatment of birds, which has been in place for 12 years. “For the period from 2024-2029, the aid budget amounts to BGN 242 million, which is BGN 70 million more than in the previous implementation period. This year’s aid is worth BGN 42 million,” said Deputy Minister Vasileva.
She added that within the framework of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas, financial instruments are provided with which the branch will have the opportunity to improve production conditions. Among them, he pointed out interventions for investments in agricultural holdings, for investments related to environmental protection and aid for restoring agricultural potential and appropriate preventive actions.
“For the competitiveness and sustainability of poultry farms, the constant exchange of know-how and good practices is essential,” said Dr. Vasileva and emphasized the importance of innovations to minimize production costs in farms.
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