site.btaNew Financial Instrument to Protect Farmers in Crises Needed, Agriculture Minister Tahov Says in Brussels

Attending a meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on Monday, Bulgarian caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Georgi Tahov said that it is necessary to introduce a new financial instrument to protect farmers in crises as part of the Strategic Plans.

Tahov pointed out that the crisis management framework should include both instruments contributing to increasing the stability and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, as well as rapidly applicable emergency measures when adverse market developments occur. 

The common agricultural policy and the agricultural reserve need an adequate budget that provides security, protection, and fair support for farmers in crisis situations. It is also essential to work towards a levelling out of direct payments, the Minister stressed.

Bulgaria proposes the EC to extend by 12 months the deadline for project payments under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme.

The Council also discussed the situation on agricultural markets following the war in Ukraine.

Tahov underscored that one of the main challenges facing agriculture is the widespread adoption of more environmentally friendly practices without affecting food security. "Increasing the sector's contribution to the green transition cannot be achieved by introducing new requirements and restrictions alone. Farmers should be given appropriate economic incentives to make green commitments, thereby reducing the risk of abandonment and depopulation of rural areas," said Minister Tahov.