site.btaBulgaria Supports Extended Visegrad Group's Draft Joint Declaration on Strengthening Crisis Management in Agriculture

Bulgaria expresses its support for a draft joint declaration on strengthening crisis management in agriculture within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Ivan Paligorov said at a meeting of the agriculture ministers of the Visegrad Group, together with Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovenia, held on Tuesday in Balatonfured, Hungary, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced in a press release.

Paligorov said that climate change, the spread of animal and plant diseases, as well as geopolitical and market instability, are having a significant impact on farmers' incomes, food security and the stability of supply chains. He noted that these challenges underscore the need to strengthen the EU's risk management mechanisms so they can provide faster, more flexible and more effective support in times of crisis.

Paligorov highlighted that, for Bulgaria, it is essential that the future CAP should be adequately funded and provide Member States with greater flexibility in implementing risk management instruments in line with their national specificities. He added that more effective agricultural insurance mechanisms are needed to help farmers cope with adverse events.

"Timely delivery of crisis support is equally important, as is encouraging investments that enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector," Paligorov said.

In his remarks, he also emphasised the importance of developing bioeconomy and adopting measures to address the growing challenge of drought.

Regarding the future of the Common Agricultural Policy beyond 2027, Paligorov reaffirmed Bulgaria's position in favour of a fair valuation of external convergence, with the additional funding allocated on top of the preserved CAP budget, while also calling for the retention of the N+3 rule.

Paligorov also drew participants' attention to Bulgaria's traditional and unique rose-growing sector, which is currently facing serious difficulties. He further highlighted challenges in the dairy sector, where the downward trend in milk farm purchase prices continues.

In conclusion, Paligorov noted that closer cooperation within the expanded Visegrad Group format could help advance and protect the interests of Bulgarian farmers.