The Bulgarian Chamber of Fruits and Vegetables (BCV) expresses serious concern about the rapidly escalating problem caused by the black scab pest (Capnodis tenebrionis), which is causing massive, irreversible damage to fruit plantations in a number of regions of the country.
In recent weeks alone, fruit farms in the Haskovo region have already gone bankrupt, their many years of work destroyed. The pest attacks the trees, leaves them with no chance of recovery and leads to complete losses and the inability to continue production.
“This is a crisis that is growing daily. Our members are losing their livelihoods, and the state has not yet presented a solution on how to manage the situation,“ said the leadership of the BCC.
The BCC is in talks with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) and the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA)
In recent months, the Chamber has repeatedly raised the issue with the institutions. Meetings and discussions have been held with experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bulgarian Food Safety Authority.
However, to date, no specific actions have been proposed, no plan for the control or destruction of the pest, nor have mechanisms been developed to compensate the affected farmers.
Need for urgent and categorical measures
The Bulgarian Food Safety Authority insists on:
Urgent intervention by the state, as the problem is becoming a national crisis.
Preparation of a clear state action plan to limit and eradicate the black goldfish pest.
Support and compensation for affected farmers, including for already destroyed gardens.
Involvement of the scientific community (SAA, specialists in this field) to develop scientifically based measures.
„The black goldfish is not just harmful – "It destroys the future. If the state does not act immediately, Bulgarian fruit growing will suffer damage from which it will not be able to recover for years," the BCPZ emphasizes.
BCPZ remains in constant readiness for dialogue and working meetings
The Chamber insists that institutions take immediate steps and declares its readiness to participate in expert groups, councils and crisis teams that will develop effective solutions.