site.btaAgriculture Minister Tahov: It Is Essential to Equalize Direct Payments Across EU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will continue to actively participate in discussions on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union and the new financial framework, firmly defending the interests of Bulgarian farmers and producers. The ministry will also work towards a more sustainable and modern agriculture not only in Bulgaria but across the entire EU, said Minister Georgi Tahov at the Green Transition Forum 5.0: Competitiveness and Innovation in Central and Eastern European Countries in Sofia.

Now in its fourth day, the five-day forum is organized for the fifth consecutive year by Green Transition Forum and Dir.bg, with BTA as a media partner.

“Above all, we must not forget that agriculture comes from people and is intended for people,” Tahov stressed.

He welcomed the European Commission’s efforts to propose a vision for the 2028–2034 period focused on the competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture. Tahov also highlighted the Commission’s legislative proposal aimed at simplifying the CAP, which Bulgaria sees as a move toward reducing requirements applied to both European and Bulgarian farmers, as well as to administrations.

“The significant reduction of regulations in existing procedures will be a great relief for the entire sector,” he noted.

Tahov emphasized that, as a strategic policy for the EU to ensure food security and sustainable farming, the Common Agricultural Policy must remain autonomous with a separate and adequately sized budget, and must be represented in both of its pillars.

“For us, it is of utmost importance to work towards equalizing the levels of direct payments to farmers across the EU, as we are convinced that this will help create a level playing field and increase their competitiveness,” said Tahov.

He added that direct payments should not be viewed simply as compensation, because if they are, it would create a significant imbalance. Instead, the system should shift from one of compensation to one that incentivizes farmers—exceeding their costs and encouraging a smoother ecological transition. This would also enable farmers to provide the public goods related to the environment and climate, the minister explained.

Tahov further stressed that environmental criteria for farmers must be clear, understandable, and achievable. “In this way, the Common Agricultural Policy will encourage farmers to be part of climate solutions, rather than merely suffering from climate challenges,” he said.

The minister said that agriculture in Central and Eastern Europe has its own specific social, economic, and climatic characteristics. “All of this requires tailored criteria aimed at unlocking the full regional potential within the EU,” Tahov concluded.

The national strategic plan for the development of agriculture and rural areas is the tool through which we respond to these realities, support small and medium-sized farms, and invest in long-term sustainability, Minister Tahov said while presenting the main priorities of the plan.

“We live in times of trade tensions and global uncertainty, which inevitably affect the agricultural sector. Therefore, it is very important that the EU and national governments create buffers and sustainable models to ensure the functioning of the entire agri-food chain,” Tahov added.

In a video message to the forum, Eric Sargiacomo, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, called for a systemic approach to the agriculture sector, emphasizing that food-related issues must remain at the center of our attention.

“Sustainability is a key issue, and this is equally important for the agricultural sector. It must be at the heart of the debates on the Common Agricultural Policy reform so that we can continue to produce food that is affordable and accessible,” said  Sargiacomo.

However, he noted that the number of people suffering from food poverty is rising, adding that even within the EU, food security is a matter we cannot take for granted and is critically important for stability.

“Now is the time to strengthen the EU’s sovereignty regarding agricultural production and feeding its population. It is crucial to send a strong signal with the new Common Agricultural Policy; it is absolutely essential to adapt it and improve sustainability. This involves the need to maintain strategic reserves without ending up with mountains of unused products,” Sargiacomo emphasized.