Bulgarian priorities on organic farming, animal welfare and market access
The organic sector calls for targeted financing of promotional campaigns for organic products
Encouraging small organic farmers and processing businesses should be one of the key priorities in Bulgaria’s action plan for development of organic production. "It is important to make sure the priority objectives reflect the specifics and current level of development of organic production in Bulgaria," Agriculture Minister Hristo Bozoukov told the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council. He argued that targeted financing needs to be provided for promotional campaigns. This will ensure an additional resource for broadening the market for organic products.
During the discussion, Minister Bozoukov said his country is sensitive to the import of honey, sunflower seed oil, poultry and walnuts from Ukraine and the Merocsur countries, as well as to the protection of geographic appellations. He mentioned as good examples the inclusion of Bulgarian rose oil in the EU free trade agreement with Australia and the reduction of quotas for import of mutton and lamb from New Zealand.
Bulgaria is supportive of the joint proposal of Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Hungary and Romania concerning support for bee colony health through national programmes. He said the situation in bee keeping is similar in Bulgaria. "We are experiencing shrinking pastures, climate change and increased winter mortality which are impacting the bee populations and efficiency of production, and discouraging bee farmers," the Bulgarian Minister said.
As regards End the Cage Age, the European citizens initiative for end of caged farming, Bozoukov said that at this point in time adopting a ban on caged farming of some animals is unacceptable for Bulgaria. "It is important for Bulgaria to follow a balanced approach. All factors and consequences from the introduction of new rules and standards for animal breeding should be taken in consideration and carefully weighed in," he said. He argued that an adequate transitional period is needed, taking into considering the life of the existing production facilities, which became operational in the 2010-2020 period. "In view of the losses that the sector is sure to experience, adequate financial support on national and European level will be important for preserving its viability, competitiveness and capacity to develop," he said.As regards End the Cage Age, the European citizens initiative for end of caged farming, Bozoukov said that at this point in time adopting a ban on caged farming of some animals is unacceptable for Bulgaria. "It is important for Bulgaria to follow a balanced approach. All factors and consequences from the introduction of new rules and standards for animal breeding should be taken in consideration and carefully weighed in," he said. He argued that an adequate transitional period is needed, taking into considering the life of the existing production facilities, which became operational in the 2010-2020 period. "In view of the losses that the sector is sure to experience, adequate financial support on national and European level will be important for preserving its viability, competitiveness and capacity to develop," he said.
Source: Agrozona.bg