Bulgarian Agriculture Ministry allocates 170 million euros to support farmers

Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Plamen Abrovski stated that there should not be a serious increase in bread prices, despite rising costs for wheat, diesel, and fertilizers. While producers have warned of potential increases of approximately 10 euro cents for a 600–650 gram loaf, Abrovski emphasized that the government is taking measures to mitigate these costs.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has allocated approximately 170 million euros in state aid to support farmers. According to the Ministry, over 100 million euros will be distributed to 14,861 farmers to compensate for increased diesel prices, while the remaining funds will support nearly 41,000 farms to offset rising fertilizer costs. The Ministry noted that these payments are subject to European regulations, including a cap of 50,000 euros per beneficiary.

The Ministry also responded to criticisms from former Finance Minister Asen Vassilev, who described the government's measures as insufficient and suggested they primarily benefit large grain producers. The Ministry urged against distorting facts for political purposes, asserting that the aid is designed to support vulnerable groups and the agricultural industry against price pressures.