Bulgarian agricultural producer protests

Agricultural producers in Bulgaria have begun staging protests and preparing demonstrations due to economic challenges facing various fruit and grape sectors.

In the Sliven region, peach and plum producers blocked roads to protest purchase prices that they claim are below production costs. Farmers noted that while harvests are good, prices for peaches and plums have remained stagnant for nearly a decade despite rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, and labor. These producers are calling on the Ministry of Agriculture to find new markets and support the creation of a producer cooperative.

Similarly, grape growers, particularly in the Pleven region, are preparing protests due to a lack of market demand for an abundant harvest. Producers attribute their difficulties to competition from subsidized imports of grapes and wine from neighboring countries, including Romania, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Greece. The Association of Bulgarian Grape Growers is seeking a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture to address these systemic issues.