“We continue to insist the EC to equalize the levels of direct payments with the other member states”. This was what stated y the Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov during the event named "Green transition forum 4.0: The new global perspectives for the region of Central and Eastern Europe", which was held in Sofia. He added also that only in this way a fair level of support would be ensured and there will be no inequality of farmers in European countries.
Minister Tahov emphasized that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is one of the main policies that ensures fair incomes for those employed in the sector and food security of the EU. "To achieve its set goals, the CAP needs an adequate budget," Minister Takhov was categorical.
He noted that now, farmers have to meet the increased environmental requirements resulting from the Green Deal. "They should make significant efforts to manage their farms in a way that contributes to reducing the effects of climate change. Farmers should adapt to these changes and be able to respond to challenges related to diseases and crises," he added he too.
Minister Georgi Tahov also drew attention to the question of how our agricultural producers could remain competitive in the context of the EU Trade Agreements with third countries. The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that greening should be done at a moderate pace and the requirements should be simplified. He specified that the environmental criteria for farmers must be clear, feasible and understandable, while affordable alternatives must be presented to them. "When preparing changes to European legislation in the future, the regional characteristics of the member states must be taken into account - it is not relevant to assign the same rules and requirements to countries with different geographical and agro-climatic characteristics and type of agriculture. It is necessary to structure the requirements in a simplified way, to provide an opportunity for farmers to develop their main activity of producing quality food at competitive prices, in the context of the common efforts of the EU countries to achieve the goals of the Green Deal," Minister Takhov explained.
According to him, it is extremely important the significant function of the farmer for society, guaranteeing decent incomes and good conditions for the development of the sector to be considered. In this way, it is entirely achievable to have sustainable farmers, a sustainable environment and vibrant rural areas.
"Based on the lessons learned, it is necessary for the new European Parliament and Commission to continue to take into account the important economic, social and environmental function of the Common Agricultural Policy and work together to maintain a balance between sustainability and increasing the competitiveness of agriculture. Efforts must be made to increase the attractiveness of rural areas for the next generation," summarized Minister Tahov.