site.btaUPDATED PM Denkov, Some Farmers' Branch Organizations Sign Agreement

Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov reported after a meeting with representatives of farmers' branch organizations here on Monday that an agreement has been signed.

Denkov said that the agreement saw one clause added, according to which a group will be formed to check on the implementation of the agreement on a monthly basis. The group will discuss issues that seem important in terms of developing the farming sector, preparing legislation and the financial provision of the measures. Minister of Agriculture and Food Kiril Vatev, who also attended the signing, said after the event that the group will include representatives of branch organizations from agriculture who wish to participate.

Earlier Monday, an initiative committee comprised of 26 branch organizations from the agriculture sector presented a declaration with demands for salvaging the sector at the BTA National Press Club. The initiative committee does not support the agreements reached during a series of meetings between representatives of the Bulgarian government and several agricultural organizations.

Denkov said: "Everyone has the right to protest but within the law. Certain demands have been made by the farmers related to their problems in relation to the war in Ukraine, the Green Deal, etc. All of these issues that have been raised are reflected in the agreement that we have signed today. If anyone has complaints about the agreement, they should read it first, because I heard different statements this morning. Most of them, however, referred to issues that have already been resolved in the agreement."

Denkov advised Vatev to allow for "a day of reflection", so that all stakeholders can get familiar with the document before discussing any potential specific demands.

The Prime Minister said that any potential calls for Vatev's resignation should be addressed to Denkov, to Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel or to Parliament. These demands, however, should be specific. Denkov expressed confidence that concerns surrounding such demands have been addressed in the agreement.

Head of the National Grain Producers Association Iliya Prodanov said that the agreement signed on Monday has been discussed with all members of the Bulgarian Agrarian Chamber. Prodanov and Bulgarian Agrarian Chamber Chair Kostadin Kostadinov were hopeful that the agreement will benefit all farmers in the country.

Vatev reported that no action is planned to be taken in regard to the farmers who are planning to continue protesting.