site.btaVazrazhdane Proposes Creation of Farmers' Markets for Bulgarian Produce without Intermediaries

Vazrazhdane proposes the creation of farmers' markets where Bulgarian produce is offered without a middleman and without fees, said the parliamentary group's Floor Leader, Kostadin Kostadinov, at a public discussion on food affordability, organised by the For Affordable and Quality Food Association on Tuesday at BTA's National Press Club in Sofia. 

Kostadinov argued that a situation is emerging where in the summer the markets are full of tomatoes presented as Bulgarian, at a price of BGN 5-7 per kilo, while the buying price of the first reseller is BGN 1-1.2 per kilo. 

He expressed hope for support for legislative changes from BSP - United Left as representative of the ruling majority. "We are also doing a roundtable, working on a whole package of bills," added the Vazrazhdane leader.

The changes proposed by the party in the field of agricultural production are aiming to support small farmers and to return to traditional agriculture of small family farms and direct supply of produce, said Vazrazhdane MP Veselin Vashev.

"In Bulgaria, first of all, there is a cartel. Second, this cartel is foreign. Third, this foreign cartel has monopolized the market and fourth, it also exerts control over the executive branch," Kostadinov argued during a debate on food quality and affordability.

The discussion was opened by Natonal Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova.