site.btaBulgarian Organic Dairy Farmer Saves Time, Money with Combined Water Heating Facility

Bulgarian Organic Dairy Farmer Saves Time, Money with Combined Water Heating Facility

Dobrodan Village, North Bulgaria, November 8 (Metodi Yordanov of BTA) - Ivan and Rossitsa Danchevi's family farm is one of three Bulgarian dairy farms where a combined water heating facility was installed last year.

The energy-saving facility was put into use as part of the Energy efficiency and better milk quality for Bulgarian dairy farms project, implemented by Bioselena, Trakia University and the Norwegian NGO Norges Vel. The project is financed by the Norway Grants as part of the Fund for Green Industry Innovation Programme for Bulgaria.

The innovative technology, which utilizes the heat given off by fresh milk to heat water, as well as solar panels and eco-friendly wood pellets, has already proven its value. The farms now have more hot water, which improves hygiene and cuts down electricity bills. Ivan Danchev said that he has saved time and money, explaining that his electricity bill was reduced by around 2,000 leva in one year.

Dr. Stoilko Apostolov of Bioselena noted that the facility costs around 22,000 leva, half of which are covered by subsidies. This means that the energy-saving device will pay itself off in about five and a half years if used in a farm with around 100 cows, such as Danchevi's.

Ms. Jorunn Tonnesen of Norges Vel told BTA that five Bulgarian farms have applied for this project, three of which were approved. "We have very good relations, we have built trust and good cooperation. When the new call came up Bioselena had some very interesting ideas, for which we had the knowledge and could contribute with our expertise. This is how we decided to apply for funds under the EEA grants," she explained.

Asked to comment the organic dairy products market, Ivan Danchev told BTA that his products are mainly sold in big grocery store chains. They are a little pricey, but the production cost is also high, he noted, adding that there is a growing demand for organic dairy products in Bulgaria. Among the problems he encounters are the big chains delaying payments, which makes it very hard to stay on top.