site.btaAgriculture Minister Tahov Opens National Fish Fest in Sofia

Agriculture and Food Minister Georgi Tahov opened the National Fish Fest in Sofia, the Ministry’s press center reported here on Friday. Tahov emphasized that the festival has an important mission - to bring the public closer to the fisheries sector in a modern and accessible way. “Events like this give visibility to the sector, expand sales opportunities, build trust between producers and consumers, and promote sustainable practices,” the Agriculture Minister said. 

He added that the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector is supported under the Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (MFAP) 2021–2027, through which fish ports are being built, new technologies are being developed, and new long-term tangible assets are being purchased. “This is a sector that generates a significant share of agriculture’s Gross Domestic Product and brings one of our tastiest foods to the table,” Tahov noted. 

Currently, 107 project proposals worth nearly BGN 85 million have been contracted under MFAP. Project proposals amounting to around BGN 47 million in grants are under evaluation. In addition, 30 strategies submitted under the “Community-Led Local Development” approach, worth about BGN 104.3 million - including around BGN 26.1 million for current expenses and for promoting the strategies - are also being evaluated. After administrative compliance and eligibility checks, 24 strategies worth about BGN 64.7 million and BGN 20.78 million for current and promotional expenses have moved to the next stage of evaluation. By the end of the year, new application rounds are expected under three procedures with a total budget of BGN 10.56 million. 

Minister Tahov announced that, ahead of St. Nicholas Day (December 6), the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency is traditionally carrying out intensified inspections of facilities involved in the harvesting, production, and sale of fish. More than 500 inspections have been carried out in retail outlets since November 24, including mobile facilities selling live and fresh fish, food service establishments, and fish farms. Inspections are ongoing, and on 6 December there will be duty teams ensuring that the fish on Bulgarians’ tables is safe and of high quality. 

Minister Tahov expressed confidence that the National Fish Fest will become a tradition that unites fishermen, producers, and consumers. 

At Gina Kuncheva Square near the Vasil Levski monument in the capital, educational and creative workshops, games, and art activities for children are being held today until 6 p.m., helping them learn more about the sea, fish, and nature in an interactive and entertaining way. For adults, lectures, demonstrations, and consultations related to healthy eating, sustainable fisheries, and fish product identification have been organized. 

A culinary zone has also been set up, where visitors can watch the live preparation of various fish dishes and taste seafood specialties in the restaurant area “Taste of the Sea,” where fish is offered at cost price, the statement said.