Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Miroslav Naydenov performed a symbolic pruning of peach trees in the garden of Dimitar Petrov , a candidate under Measure 112 "Establishment of Young Farmers' Farms” of the Rural Development Program 2007-2013. The garden is located on the territory of Tsaratsovo village, Plovdiv region. Dimitar Petrov explained that EU subsidies for the moment are enough to maintain his garden. He has never been engaged in farming. He has been abroad for many years, but his family has an experience in this sphere. Dimitar Petrov added that the money he earns is enough to support his family. He pointed out that competition is pretty serious and that is why he has also to grow and potatoes.
Minister Naydenov urged farmers in the region to unite. He explained that a measure under RDP for the association of manufacturers exists under which subsidies to support the activities of associations could be granted. Minister Naydenov gave an example other European Union Member States where small farmers work on the principle of cooperatives. Together they buy equipment, chemicals and agreed to jointly on sale of produce.
The Minister said that after April 1, 2011, bakers will work according to the new standards for which they need a high-quality wheat production, but currently there is a deficit of such. He added that the new standards are expected to increase demand and more manufacturers to have an interest in offering such high quality wheat.
A 86-year neighbor farmer Petar, also managed to talk with the Minister. He asked for subsidies for his beehives and an acacia grove. He holds the rakia brewery tank of the village and treated the Minister with its home-made production