site.btaAgriculture Minister Outlines Focus on Agricultural Producers and Public Interest in Supply Chain Bill

"We are defending agricultural producers and the public interest. We have been guided solely by this goal in drafting the bill," said Minister of Agriculture and Food Georgi Tahov during a meeting with representatives of retail chains and consumer organization, his Ministry said in a press release on Friday. The participants in the meeting were briefed on the proposals included in the bill on agricultural product and food supply chain.

Tahov noted that the bill has not yet been finalized, and the Ministry will consider all viewpoints during the discussion process. He noted that all constructive suggestions from interested parties would be taken into account. "We expect feedback and opinions by the end of next week from all those who participated in the discussions on the draft," the Minister added.

In March, the Agriculture Ministry was tasked with drafting a bill for the supply chain.

Tahov also announced that his Ministry will soon begin working on a draft law for cooperatives, which will be developed as quickly as possible. "The state must provide an environment for agricultural producers to unite and cooperate, which will strengthen farmers' positions in institutional and commercial negotiations," he said. This will also be supported by interventions from the Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Rural Development in Bulgaria for the period 2023-2027, the Minister noted.

The meeting was attended by members of the Modern Trade Association, representatives of retail chains, and the Active Consumers Association.