Bulgaria Newsflash Week 13

Bulgarian rapeseed growers expect strong year

Demand for rapeseed remains strong, keeping prices in the new season. Despite the cold weather, rapeseed fields are in fine condition, Balgarski Fermer weekly reported. Forecasts based on the present crop condition, are for good yields. In the recent years, rapeseed fields in Bulgaria shrank dramatically, as they did across Europe. There were times when the area under rapeseed totalled 300,000 ha and it has since fallen to 100,000 ha. Strong demand gives very good prices to growers and these price levels are expected to persist in the new season.

European markets reopens for Bulgarian pork

The European Commission decided to lift some of the restrictions for the production of, and trade in, pork in five Bulgarian regions and one municipality, Agri reports. The restrictions were prompted by outbreaks of African swine fever. Since 2019, the European Commission has carried out several audits and a regional approach has been set in place. At the moment, Bulgarian pork can be freely sold in all commercial outlets in the country.

BGN 12 mln in short-term loans offered to fruit and vegetable growers

State Fund Agroculture said that is offering a total of BGN 12 million (EUR 6 million) in short-term loans for growers of fruit and vegetable in open-field and greenhouse conditions. Of the total amount, BGN 3 million are for greenhouse production. The scheme aims to support growers who are experiencing a shortage of turnover capital, which is vital for farms. The loans will be available at an interest of 1.5% and maturity on June 30, 2022.

BGN 6.7 Bln available for investment from OP Regional Development

Investment for close to BGN 6.7 billion will be available under the EU-funded Operational Programme Regional Development during the new programming period un 2021-2027, said Ministry of Regional Development and Public  Works. The scope of the programme includes the 10 largest Bulgarian cities and 40 smaller urban centres across the country. The programme will also finance measures in regions to be affected by the transition to a neutral economy. For now, these are the Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora in southern Bulgaria.

Thracian University starts programme for smart animal breeding

The Thracian University in the southern town of Stara Zagora has started a three-year research programme, Smart Animal Breeding, aiming to achieve smart and efficient animal breeding which uses less human resources and has a reduced impact on environment. The programme has a budget of BGN 4.5 million. The University is partnering with other leading academic institutions, including the Agrarian University in Plovdiv, the technical universities in Sofia and Rousse, several research institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Agricultural Academy.

BG innovation: Smart device monitors bee hive health

The Bulgarian technological company Pollenity has developed a sensor technology which helps bee keepers monitor the condition of the their bee hives in real time, Maritsa daily reports. Beebot monitors key parameters of the bee colony: temperature fluctuation and humidity, and analyzes the bee buzz. It provides valuable information and serves as something of a language for communication between man and honeybees. Pollenity has another very practical project: the platform Istinski Med [True Honey], which links Bulgarian beekeepers and end-customers.