The Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) will distribute a total of up to 170 million euros to support Bulgarian farms, with part of the funds compensating for the increased cost of fertilizers and the remainder helping to mitigate fuel price pressures. According to details from the Ministry, over 100 million euros will go to 14,861 Bulgarian farmers due to rising diesel prices, while funds for approximately 41,000 farms will cover fertilizer costs. The distribution of state aid must comply with European regulations, which limit the amount per beneficiary to a maximum of 50,000 euros.
The MAF's official position, released through the media, is a reaction to public insinuations made by political leaders regarding government measures intended to protect vulnerable groups and national industry. The statement insists on adhering to the objective truth and calls for facts not to be distorted through a political lens or in the context of the upcoming elections.
These measures to support agricultural producers will have an indirect impact on food prices in stores across Burgas and the region.
Criticism of the government comes from the chairman of "We Continue the Change" and former Finance Minister Asen Vassilev, who commented on the measures regarding high fuel prices earlier today. Vassilev described them as completely inadequate, comparing them to the "drip irrigation they promised to the Bulgarian people." According to him, the 100 million euros allocated for large-scale grain producers will not provide real assistance but will simply improve their profits, as they will continue to sell their produce at international market prices.