Special unit, responsible for the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will be created in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). This was announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Miroslav Naydenov during a public debate on the future of the CAP, which was held today in Sofia. The special unit will include experts from the Ministry appointed by the two Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Food. The unit will operate in constant coordination with NGOs and farmers themselves.
The budget of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union must be maintained and the appeal of some countries the budget to be reduced is absolutely unacceptable. "We insist direct payments to be kept. Bulgaria supports the idea of a limit. However, we have reservations about the proposed threshold of EUR 150,000 and we think it should be increased, "he said.
Regarding the so-called. "Greening" of the CAP and proposal 30% to go for green components the opinion of MAF is that Bulgaria is not still ready for this measure, said Naydenov. "There are very few EU countries that can meet these requirements," he added.
Regarding the concept of an active farmer, the minister said at the time the European Commission gives no clear definition, however, this farmer, who has hundreds of thousands of acres is not active. "The support should go to farmers who are actively engaged in farming," he said further.
"If we want to attract young people, we should support the proposed 2% of the financial package to go directly to young farmers. This is the guaranteed minimum, "urged Dr. Naydenov. Bulgaria will not lose money on its core package, the Minister said.
Minister Naydenov called branch organizations to actively participate in debates about the future of the CAP and make suggestions.
"We hope to present Bulgaria's position, not that of the government of Bulgaria," said the Minister.
The budget of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union must be maintained and the appeal of some countries the budget to be reduced is absolutely unacceptable. "We insist direct payments to be kept. Bulgaria supports the idea of a limit. However, we have reservations about the proposed threshold of EUR 150,000 and we think it should be increased, "he said.
Regarding the so-called. "Greening" of the CAP and proposal 30% to go for green components the opinion of MAF is that Bulgaria is not still ready for this measure, said Naydenov. "There are very few EU countries that can meet these requirements," he added.
Regarding the concept of an active farmer, the minister said at the time the European Commission gives no clear definition, however, this farmer, who has hundreds of thousands of acres is not active. "The support should go to farmers who are actively engaged in farming," he said further.
"If we want to attract young people, we should support the proposed 2% of the financial package to go directly to young farmers. This is the guaranteed minimum, "urged Dr. Naydenov. Bulgaria will not lose money on its core package, the Minister said.
Minister Naydenov called branch organizations to actively participate in debates about the future of the CAP and make suggestions.
"We hope to present Bulgaria's position, not that of the government of Bulgaria," said the Minister.