The draft law on price regulation in retail chains - ready within ten days
The agriculture sector maximally achieves the goals set under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP.). "This is a result of the work done, the acceptances and RRP fund negotiations performed in the Agriculture sector, which are managed effectively," announced the Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov at the opening of the Third National Meeting of Fruit and Vegetable Producers, organized by the National Branch Chamber of Fruits and Vegetables (BCFV), in Plovdiv.
The draft law on retail price control is to be ready within ten days, then a discussion with all parties interested is expected," he commented.
"We will do what is necessary for agricultural producers to receive a fair price for their produce. Based on the analyses made, we found that the smallest part of the added value remains with farmers" the minister explained and was categorical that "the draft law will regulate trade relations throughout the retail chain, which will have an impact on consumers."
He informed the audience that a total of 13 interventions for agriculture including the production of fruits and vegetables for over BGN 1.5 billion have been opened under the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas 2023-2027 "We have opened the measures for young, small and new farmers. We want to make the farmer’s activity more attractive to more people, and we will achieve this goal through European schemes and co-financing from the national budget," Dr. Tahov added.
In his words, in order to ensure the country's food security the production of fruits and vegetables must be supported. "The comprehensive policy regarding the agricultural sector is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of agricultural holdings," he added.
During the discussion, the Minister informed the participants of the forum about the work his team has done so far on the restoration of the irrigation infrastructure, the acceptances for the rehabilitation of the Irrigation Systems facilities that have been opened and the goal set in the long term to increase the irrigated areas to 8 million decares.
He presented the plans for the consolidation of the anti-hail protection with 25 new missile sites and informed about the stage of the pilot implementation of ground generators in the areas with heavy air traffic. During the event, it became clear that the regulatory framework for a mutual aid fund for the sector is also in the process of preparation.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Yanislav Yanchev noted that "fruit and vegetable production is consistently supported through coupled support and it is planned to direct over 80 million leva under these schemes this year ". He also recalled that the fruit and vegetable sector has priority when applying for investment measures for the association of producers.
Vegetable and fruit producers put their questions and shared the difficulties they encounter in realization on the domestic and foreign markets, related to unfair competition, lack of branch cooperatives and infrastructure. They proposed to boost the presentation of Bulgarian production at international exhibitions and highlighted the importance of uniting producers in order to have access to larger markets, make a profit and invest in modernization.