site.btaSheep Breeders to Gather near Veliko Tarnovo for 12th Time on May 24

Sheep breeders from across the country will gather for the twelfth time at the Sts. Peter and Paul Monastery (known as Petropavlovski) near Veliko Tarnovo from May 24 until May 26, Simeon Karakolev, Chairperson of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Association (NOCA), said at the BTA National Press Club in Veliko Tarnovo on Wednesday. NOCA is organizer of the national gathering which features a traditional Bulgarian livelihood and folklore, and will bring together sheep breeders and fans of farmer food and old culinary traditions.

Owners of more than 20 small dairies from across Bulgaria will present their sheep and goat dairy products, and a panel of judges will evaluate their products. Traditionally, there will also be direct sales areas, as well as demonstrations of authentic and modern product production technologies, exhibitions and craft stalls.

A national folklore competition entitled "My Lamb Bleated" will be held for the 12th time. In this year’s edition of the competition, the European Commission Representation in Sofia will present its United in Diversity awards.

Karakolev said that for 12 years now there has been an increase in consumption of sheep meat and dairy sheep products in Bulgaria. During the past holidays around Easter and St George's Day, nearly 500,000 lambs were sold, he noted, adding that the number of sheep reared in this country is over 1 million. In 2023, the annual aid per head for sheep/goats in Bulgaria was some BGN 180, which ranks the country in top 3 in Europe.

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the Bulgarian National Radio are media partners of the event.