Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Tzvetan Dimitrov took part in the Bulgarian-Dutch seminar on "Bulgaria and the Common Agricultural Policy." The event was held at the Hilton Hotel and was attended by Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E.Mr. Karel van Kesteren, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Netherlands.
"Good cooperation between Bulgaria and the Netherlands on the CAP is very important for us," said Deputy Minister and stressed the need for exchange of experience and know-how in the field of agriculture.
He presented the main highlights of Bulgaria's position for the CAP’s next programming period. Our country supports the equitable distribution of resources and stands behind its request for leveling of the direct payments in 2014 rather than 2016 for Bulgaria and Romania. We insist on a higher percentage of payments to be linked to the production of agricultural products. Intention to allocate and invest significant financial resources in the field of "green payments" is a good proposal, but we believe it is appropriate that each state to set its own rates and methods of payments, said Deputy Minister Dimitrov. He added that support the introduction of a limit on direct payments, but it should be adjustable.
"Following our accession to the EU, significant positive changes occurred in agricultural sector. We have to work more to achieve the standards of other member states, "he added.. Nearly 60% of workers in the sector are with an average age between 35-45 years. According to the Ministry export of agricultural goods has grown, both in intra-Community trade, as well as for third countries.