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BRUSSELS/SOFIA – Improving the position of farmers in the food supply chain is among Bulgaria’s priorities in the field of agriculture. This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Georgi Tahov at the EU Council on Agriculture and Fisheries in Brussels, cited by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
“It is necessary to refine the texts of contracts between farmers and buyers, to make written contracts a common obligation, as well as to introduce mandatory mechanisms for mediation between farmers and buyers,” Minister Tahov said during a debate on amending the Regulation on the Common Market Organization. Bulgaria’s position proposes that the amount of financial assistance for producer groups and organizations, other than the fruit and vegetable sector, be increased to 10 percent of the value of marketable production.
On the topic of improving the green architecture of the Common Agricultural Policy, Minister Tahov pointed out that there may be a possibility for payment to exceed a compensatory nature, with providing an additional incentive for farmers. Changes in ecological commitments should be aimed at fair financial incentives, which should be provided to farmers based on effectively measurable activities of benefit to the environment and society following a clear methodology, said Minister Tahov.
In view of the upcoming revision of measures under the Association Agreement with Ukraine, Minister Tahov emphasized that for Bulgaria, it is crucial to negotiate equivalent standards for the production of agricultural products and effective protective measures and safeguard clauses regarding products that are sensitive to the EU or individual Member States’ markets. Tahov stressed the need for active monitoring and for functional tools to be established, which can be activated if necessary to protect the European market.
We call on the Commission to adopt a balanced and sustainable approach that considers the needs of the agricultural sector in the EU, added the Minister of Agriculture and Food.
During a debate on the need for more effective tackling of unfair trading practices and preventing the abuse of dominant positions in the food supply chain, Minister Tahov expressed support for the proposal for analysis and consultations by the European Commission with agricultural producers and other stakeholders. “Farmers’ labor must be rewarded and protected along the supply chain to preserve their livelihood and viability for ensuring food security in our countries,” said Minister Tahov. (January 28)