“Bulgaria presents the high quality and variety of traditional Bulgarian food and drinks with its participation in the International Food and Agriculture Exhibition "Agra 2024" in Gornja Radgona, Slovenia”, said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov at the official opening of the event. Bulgaria has become the partner country of the AGRA International Fair of Agriculture and Food for the first time in the summer of 2024. The 62nd edition of the festival took place between August 24 and 29 in the Slovenian town of Gornja Radgona.
Minister Takhov pointed out that the world-famous Bulgarian lavender and rose oil, organic products, meat and dairy products, honey, nuts and oils, rosehip products, wines from family cellars are presented at the Bulgarian stand. “Their distinctive flavor is due to our fertile lands, diverse climate, intergenerational connections and committed farming community. We show both traditions and innovations in food and cosmetics, developed in response to specific consumer requirements. The country is showcasing its traditional food and drink products, including lavender and rose oil, organic products, meat and dairy, honey, nuts and oils, rosehip products, and wines from family cellars. The agricultural sector contributes around 4% to Bulgaria's total Gross Value Added and provides employment for about 6% of the population, with an annual investment of 0.8 - 1.2 billion euros. The participation in the exhibition aims to strengthen existing partnerships and create new ones, addressing the challenges in global agriculture such as climate change, food security, and farmer competitiveness", commented further Minister Tahov.
Bulgaria's stand, with an area of 160 square meters, was visited by Mateja Calusic, Urska Zupancic, ministers of agriculture and state secretaries from Southeast Europe, accompanied by Minister Tahov. The head of the Bulgarian delegation met 14 Bulgarian companies, producers of dairy and meat products, honey and bee products, wines, nuts, essential oils, as well as exhibitors of agricultural machinery.