site.btaAgriculture Minister Vatev, Spanish Ambassador Discuss Agricultural Cooperatives Contribution to Economic Development

Minister of Agriculture and Food Kiril Vatev and Ambassador of Spain to Bulgaria Alejandro Polanco Mata discussed the contribution of agricultural cooperatives to the development of the economy and the opportunities for expanding trade in agricultural goods between the two countries at a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture.

The ambassador briefed Vatev on the priorities of the Spanish EU presidency in the field of agriculture and fisheries. He presented data on the development of agricultural cooperatives in Spain, pointing out that the sector creates jobs and is cost-effective. In addition, Mata pointed out the increase in the number of young farmers the fact that the sector is providing a significant number of jobs for women, including in management positions.

"Spanish cooperatives are a successful working model and we are keen to take advantage of this know-how because of the serious advantages that farmer association provides. This is particularly important in terms of successful marketing of agricultural products," Minister Vatev said.

Vatev and Ambassador Polanco also commented on the Spanish model of centralized urban markets and regional farmers' markets. The Ambassador stated that these structures provide price predictability for farmers and direct access to consumers.

Among the topics of discussion was the current situation on the grain market.