The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will continue its efforts to enhance the competitiveness and sustainable development of the Bulgarian agricultural sector, stated Minister Plamen Abrovsky during the official opening of the 18th edition of the specialized agricultural machinery exhibition "BATA AGRO 2026" in Stara Zagora. In his address, he emphasized the critical importance of strengthening market orientation and increasing productivity in agricultural output.
According to the Minister, modern technology and equipment are vital for farmers, particularly in the context of climate change and the need for increasingly precise management of production processes. "Agricultural machinery is essential for farm efficiency and the sector's successful adaptation to new challenges. In this regard, we will work to strengthen preventive actions and risk management, including fostering adaptive capacity and raising awareness among producers," the Minister stated. Plamen Abrovsky noted that one of the Ministry's top priorities remains ensuring security and predictability for farmers, enabling them to plan their operations effectively while relying on stable support from both European mechanisms and the national government.
Speaking to the media, Minister Abrovsky also addressed the issue of illegal construction and the destruction of forestland in the "Baba Alino" area near Varna. "State institutions responded promptly following the report. The Regional Forestry Directorate acted immediately, conducting an inspection and initiating all necessary legal procedures," Plamen Abrovsky explained, while noting a delay in the actions taken by the Municipality of Varna. He added that various types of broad-leaved vegetation have been affected, resulting in significant environmental damage. The Minister clarified that damage assessments are currently underway; while the loss of timber volume is relatively low, the ecological impact is severe. "Moving forward, the illegal structures must be removed by the Varna Municipality, and we will work towards the restoration of the affected area," the Minister concluded.
Regarding support for the rose-growing sector, the Minister announced that the Ministry is exploring options to secure a special status for the oil-bearing rose within the framework of the European Common Agricultural Policy. "We have proposed that the oil-bearing rose be granted protection similar to cotton, which operates under a special regime with a dedicated budget in European policy. I cannot explain why no action has been taken on this since 2007. The oil-bearing rose is a crop of enormous strategic importance for Bulgaria, and we must utilize every opportunity to support it," Plamen Abrovsky emphasized.
This year's exhibition will run through June 5, featuring 183 companies presenting global trends in agricultural technology, including premieres of new machinery models, products, and services across more than 35,000 square meters of exhibition space.