A project is being drafted, giving priority to animal breeders to lease state-owned and municipal pastures and meadows, announced Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Miroslav Naydenov during a meeting with animal breeders in a farm near the village of Krasnoseltsi, Omurtag Municipality which was attended by MP from Targovishte Ms.Lilia Boyanova. Special scheme is being prepared under which the meadows and pastures will be given according to the number of animals only to those who have grazing animals. The decision was taken on the Advisory Board on Livestock Breeding. The Minister urged farmers to unite to be able to participate with a single opinion in the dialogue on the management of State Land Fund.
The current government is the first to provide national additional payments per capita to animal breeders as in 2009 they received BGN 79 million, in 2010 – BGN 112 million while this year – BGN 120 million, pointed out Minister Naydenov. According to him, livestock breeding should be supported to overcome the imbalance between the sector and grain production from the years of transition. He announced that animal breeders will receive fuel excise duty vouchers for agricultural purposes.
He said also that he could request an extension of the term for farmers to bring their livestock farms to EU requirements, but it will be time-bound, announced Minister Naydenov. Postponement can not be given any longer for those who do not want to restructure, he warned.
Concerning the taxation of farmers Minister explained that during the first 3 years of the pre-accession period our country was exempt from taxes. After this period, however, taxes are due from all EU countries and there is no way for Bulgaria to be an exception, the Minister added. Currently, farmers can choose - to keep or not keep accounts. If they choose not to keep accounts, they should pay 10% tax on 40% of revenue.