“It is necessary to introduce a new financial instrument to protect farmers in crises as part of the Strategic Plans”, said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov during a meeting of the EU Council on Agriculture and Fisheries in Brussels. Ministers discussed the viability of rural areas and the introduction of incentives to address rural depopulation. According to the Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture, this can be achieved through special programs for starting businesses in rural areas and support for innovators.
Minister Tahov pointed out that the crisis management framework should include both instruments contributing to increasing the stability and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, as well as rapidly applicable emergency measures when adverse market developments occur.
“The common agricultural policy and the agricultural reserve need an adequate budget that provides security, protection, and fair support for farmers in crisis situations. It is also essential to work towards a levelling out of direct payments”, the Minister stressed.
During the meeting, the ministers also considered measures under the Second Pillar of the CAP post-2027 to boost rural sustainability, the future of European agriculture and forestry, fair farmer incomes, and the significance of a robust Common Agricultural Policy. Trade agreements and their effects on vulnerable sectors were also examined.
“Free trade agreements contribute to increasing the economic efficiency of European operators from the agri-food industry. It is important that the trade policy of the EU should not ignore the specific negative impacts in certain vulnerable sectors - in the entire Union or in specific member states", pointed out Minister Tahov