site.btaGrain Producers Warn of Deepening Crisis, Demand Urgent State Support

The National Grain Producers Association (NGPA) voiced "extreme concern" over the deepening crisis in the sector and strong dissatisfaction with the continued delay by state institutions in defining a financial support framework for agriculture affected by the negative consequences of military actions in the Middle East, according to a declaration sent to state officials and received by BTA.

The letter was addressed to President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, caretaker Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov, caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski, and caretaker Economy Minister Irina Shtonova.

According to NGPA, the developments have led to a sharp and significant increase in the prices of key production inputs such as mineral fertilizers and fuel, resulting in much higher production costs while agricultural output prices remain low.

The association states that despite meetings with the caretaker Prime Minister and subsequent talks with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Economy, no concrete compensation measures have yet been presented.

NGPA warns that without timely and adequate government response, the sector faces serious economic shocks with long-term consequences for national food security.

"The National Grain Producers Association will no longer accept delays, formal meetings without results, or lack of commitment. We expect immediate, concrete and effective action," the declaration reads. Otherwise, the organization says it is prepared to resort to protests in defence of Bulgarian grain producers.

On Thursday, representatives of the crop production sector met with caretaker Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov and caretaker Economy Minister Irina Shtonova. Hristanov said the exact amount of financial support will be calculated later in April, following meetings with all sector representatives are completed.