site.btaHalf of Bulgarians Not Willing to Pay Extra for Organically Produced Food, Shows Eurobarometer Survey

Half of Bulgarians are not willing to pay 10% more for organically produced food, indicated data from a Eurobarometer survey presented ton Thursday by the European Commission.

Only 41% of Bulgarians are willing to pay extra for organic food, while the EU average is 50%. A large majority (between 70% and 90%) reported that changes in nature may affect food security in the EU and therefore EU farmers would need to change the way they produce.

Asked what the main responsibilities of European farmers are, the participants in the study put the production of safe, healthy and quality food in the first place (47% in the EU and 38% in Bulgaria), followed by stable food supplies at all times (27%  in the EU and 16% in Bulgaria), humane treatment of farmed animals (26% in the EU and 10%  in Bulgaria). Bulgarian participants also valued the production of diverse foods, creating jobs in rural areas and improving life there. Most of the participants agreed that these areas lack sufficient opportunities for work, entertainment and healthcare.

The majority of the participants are of the opinion that when buying food, the most important thing is that it is provided directly by the producers and that it is produced in a quality manner and in a place known to the buyer.

When asked what they think are the main threats to the food supply in the EU, the participants in the survey most often indicated bad weather, environmental damage and geopolitical events (wars and trade disputes).

The majority of participants were of the opinion that the European agricultural policy benefits all EU citizens, and that European aid to farmers is sufficient (56% in the EU and 49% in Bulgaria) or needs to be increased (27% in the EU and 28%  in Bulgaria). A significant majority also stated that European trade agreements with foreign countries were good.