site.btaBulgarian Agriculture Minister Attends International Forum on Organic Farming in Slovenia

Attending an international forum on organic farming as a basis for sustainable agriculture held in Maribor, Slovenia, Bulgaria’s caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Georgi Tahov has said that some 420,000 Bulgarian children in 3,300 schools and kindergartens have been provided with organic food products since 2021, Tahov’s Ministry reported.

The Minister said that various measures have been adopted to promote organic production and consumption. He cited a measure aimed at fostering the development of the sector by introducing mandatory minimum quantities of organic products in the supply of food and catering services funded through public procurement. "For 2024, this quantity is at least 2%; it will increase by 1% for each following year before reaching 10% in 2031," Tahov added.

Organic farming is a vital component in the transition to sustainable agriculture, especially in the diverse and ecologically rich region of Southeast Europe, the Minister said. The region has diverse climates, landscapes, and farming practices and a unique opportunity to use organic farming to improve the environment, economic sustainability, and social well-being, he noted.

The forum was also attended by the agriculture ministers of Slovenia, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, Albania, and Croatia.

Tahov is visiting Slovenia to attend the opening of the International Fair of Agriculture and Food that will take place between August 24 and 29 in Gornja Radgona. Bulgaria will be a partner country of the event for the first time, the press centre of Tahov’s Ministry said, adding that 14 producers will exhibit their products at the Bulgarian national stand. Lavender and rose oil, meat and dairy products, honey, nuts, rosehip products, and wines from family wineries will be on display.