Bulgarian grape growers protest unharvested crops in Svilengrad

Grape growers in the Svilengrad region of Bulgaria have launched protests to demand urgent state intervention regarding the unharvested current season's crop. Producers report that approximately 80 percent of the grapes remain in the vineyards due to a lack of buyers.

Organizers, including farmer Zhivko Zhelev, noted that while the quality of the grapes is high, there is almost no demand from large wineries. Some producers have managed to sell limited quantities at prices between 0.30 and 0.35 euros per kilogram, but this is insufficient to cover production costs. Protesters have suggested that high levels of imports from Romania are contributing to the lack of local demand and have proposed a temporary increase in import duties.

Farmers warned that they have only 10 to 15 days to harvest before weather conditions potentially compromise the crop. They are calling for the state to mediate dialogue with major wineries or provide support through European mechanisms. Some participants expressed that without immediate solutions, the sector faces bankruptcy, potentially forcing producers to seek work abroad.