site.btaNational Ombudsman to Approach Ant-trust Watchdog for Suspected Cartel of Rose Distilleries

Karlovo, Southern Bulgaria, May 21 (BTA) - National Ombudsman Maya Manolova will approach the Commission for the Protection of Competition over suspected cartel of rose distilleries, Manolova said at a meeting here with rose growers.

Manolova described as alarming the fact that the price for purchasing rose petals had been known weeks before the start of the rose-picking season, and it was the same, irrespective of the quality of the material. The Ombudsman said also that she will approach the National Revenue Agency to conduct checks of intermediaries who buy rose petals at prices below 2 leva/kg and "rob the work of the rose growers".

Registered rose growers protested during the weekend against the low purchase price of rose petals this year. Agriculture, Foods and Forests Minister Roumen Porozhanov said they will be compensated with de minimis subsidies. The purchase price of rose petals is now about 2 leva/kg, which does not cover production costs. In 2017 the price was around 4 leva/kg, and in 2016, around 5 leva/kg.

Manolova advised smaller rose growers to unite in a trade association and be careful when signing contracts with distilleries.

She too urged for the passage of a rose bill.