site.btaSecond Raspberry Festival Opens in Samokov

Raspberry and cherry production in Bulgaria have a positive export balance, with exports exceeding imports, Agriculture and Food Minister Plamen Abrovski said here Friday during the opening of the 2nd Raspberry Festival. The exhibition features raspberry producers, traders, beekeepers, and technology companies presenting solutions for protecting berry crops.

Abrovski highlighted the importance of Bulgarian agricultural production as he and Bozhidar Petkov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Raspberry and Berry Producers, emphasized that raspberries are a demanding crop that require careful cultivation and are returning to mountain areas above 1,000 meters in elevation.

Petkov noted that Bulgaria produces summer and late raspberry varieties, and that despite several hailstorms, the raspberry harvest remains good, while strawberry crops suffered major losses. He stressed that irrigation is essential for successful raspberry farming.

Samokov Deputy Mayor Veneta Galeva said the town is proud to host the festival and exhibition again, describing it as a place for exchanging ideas, promoting quality Bulgarian products, and supporting the sector’s development.