Following the request of grain producers to protest due to the high prices of fuel and fertilizers, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Economy. According to representatives of the industry, their costs are seriously increasing and are putting some of the agricultural holdings at risk, including bankruptcy. After the meeting, it became clear that solutions to their demands are being sought, and there will be no protest at this stage.
"Plant growing is of a strategic nature for our country. That is why, at the beginning of the war in Iran, we started talks to support this sector. We have already announced that we are withdrawing payments earlier and returning part of the excise duty on fuels. In the transport sector, which is important for agricultural producers, 50 million euros have been approved, and the increase in toll fees has been postponed." This was stated by the acting Minister of Economy Irina Shtonova at a briefing for journalists, quoted by Nova TV.
Several measures have been taken regarding liquidity. Lease payments for agricultural equipment are being postponed. That is, until the end of the year, people will pay only 5 to 10% of them instead of full installments. Working capital loans are envisaged, where the deductible will be reduced to 50%. There are also working capital loans for manufacturers engaged in export activities, Shtonova further explained.
Regarding electricity - – “for enterprises that are energy-intensive, state aid over 63 euros has been approved”, the deputy minister pointed out. Such are fertilizer plants. “For all non-household consumers, including farmers, over 122 euros there is 50% state aid, if prices go that way”, she added. The goal is for business to have predictability.
The Acting Minister of Agriculture Ivan Hristanov explained that a meeting was held with representatives of the agricultural sector. He pointed out that the notification for gas oil is coming into force, where the state support from 21 cents becomes 31 cents per liter of fuel. By the end of June, 303 million euros will be paid out in direct payments. This will happen earlier than the set schedule.
Hristanov explained that support for farmers is a matter of sovereignty and the survival of the sector.
The President of the Association of Fruit Growers in Bulgaria, Zhivka Grozeva, said that she presented the problems facing the sector at the meeting. Tsvetan Tsekov, chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce "Fruits and Vegetables", for his part, stated that they have serious concerns about the production of fruits and vegetables, which date back a long time.
Radoslav Hristov from the National Association of Grain Producers stated that he was not satisfied with the outcome of today's meeting, as a clear financial framework was not given. He indicated that it was proposed that the framework in question be expanded and expressed hope that by the end of next week it would become clear what exact funds would be allocated for plant production.
Hristov explained that before the figures are announced, all information must be collected.