site.btaDeputy Agriculture Minister: Tobacco Industry Is Linked to Economic Performance, Has Social and Demographic Function

The tobacco sector is not only linked to economic performance but also has a social and demographic function, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Yanislav Yanchev said on Friday during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the European Tobacco Growers Association (UNITAB). The event is being held at the Grand Hotel Sofia and is organized by the National Association of Tobacco Growers - 2010 (NAT-2010).

According to Yanchev, tobacco production is a complex sector. For the Ministry of Agriculture and Food tobacco production is of great importance. It has a strong tradition in Bulgaria.

Yanchev added that more than 8,000 farmers are currently benefiting from state aid granted in the sector. The Deputy Minister assured that they are important for his Ministry and that it will continue to take care of them in the future.

On February 18, in Plovdiv, a working meeting was held between the presidents of the European Tobacco Growers Association Tsvetan Filev and the European Tobacco Processors Association Maria Reimao. Friday's meeting of the Executive Committee is a continuation of the meeting.