"I will not be the minister, who under pressure, would risk paying funds to farmers with sanctions”, announced before reporters Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Miroslav Naydenov, regarding the protest of farmers, dissatisfied with the fines imposed for 2009 and 2010 campaigns. He stressed that if the state affords to pay funds for areas irregularly declared for the third time, it is expected the EC to freeze all funds for agriculture and subsidies to Bulgarian farmers. In his opinion, the European Commission imposed sanctions on Bulgaria amounting to BGN 40 mln for 2007 and BGN 49 mln for 2008.
Sanctions imposed for 2010 campaign affect 5800 beneficiaries for funds amounting to BGN 20 mln. For their sake, we cannot risk the European Commission to freeze all the funds for the rest of farmers who are correct payers, whose subsidies exceed BGN1 billion. For almost 96% of the sanctioned beneficiaries, violations have been proved, the remaining 4% will be considered further, said Minister Naydenov.
Some farmers have declared for support cemeteries, reservoirs, forests, landfills, cliffs and military polygons, said Minister Naydenov showing examples of unacceptable territories. He reminded that on 1 May a commission was formed to examine each complaint. Farmers can submit their complaints by 20 May. The commission involves three animal breeders to guarantee the objectivity, the minister also said.
If the commission proves that there are grounds for sanction revocation, it will be revoked, but only on the basis of evidence explained Minister Naydenov.
In May and June part of the funds for agro ecology and unfavorable areas will be paid to correct beneficiaries, said Deputy Executive Director of SFA Svilen Kostov.