We were at zero point with respect to the next framework period, but we succeeded in making up for the delays. We endeavour to have the new Rural Development Programme ready by the end of this year, said deputy-minister Yavor Gechev
In the course of the meeting citizens raised the question about the land relations and in particular about the land consolidation. “We offered some changes in the Restoration of Agricultural Lands and Use Act, where we provide big prerequisites and opportunities for anyone willing to carry out this process of land consolidation to go ahead and do it”, said deputy-minister Burhan Abazov. He pointed out further that a lot of administrative and financial reliefs were being introduced with respect to this process. To the question why the Bulgarian farmers received less and less funds compared to the farmers in the other EU member-states, Mr. Abazov explained that a programme was being developed under which we were to become level with the other member-states. The forecast was that at 2016 we would fall in line with the average payment per area in EU.
“We endeavour to have the new Rural Development Programme ready by the end of this year”, said deputy-minister Yavor Gechev. Writing the programme for the new programming period was all the time coordinated with a working group of 200 specialists and representatives of different organizations related to agriculture. “The first projects under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 are due in May“, added Mr. Gechev. He remarked that the young farmers were going to enjoy a special highlight. “We were at zero point with respect to the next framework period, but we succeeded in making up for the delays”, emphasized the deputy-minister. He drew the attention to the support for the small and medium business. “The new Rural Development Programme contains a whole sub-programme for the small farmers”, disclosed Mr. Gechev. He pointed out the importance of crediting the small and medium business, and the combat against the unregulated import. The deputy-minister emphasized the need to promote the Bulgarian products and mentioned also the issue with the quality of the goods and the right of the user to make an informed choice on the market. Mr. Gechev called attention to the development of organic farming and of free range cattle farming.