The Minister of Agriculture and Food Kiril Vatev discussed with representatives of the Management Board of the National Association of the municipalities in Bulgaria, measures to stimulate agricultural production and increase irrigated areas. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Tanya Georgieva, the Executive Director of the DF “Agriculture” Georgi Takhov and the Deputy Executive Director of the DFZ Iva Ivanova.
Minister Vatev informed the mayors about the upcoming legislative changes, which will give local animal breeders greater access to pastures and fruit and vegetable producers an advantage in the distribution of land from the state and municipal land fund. He also presented the work of the MoH together with other institutions on the issue of access to irrigation water for agricultural needs. The goal is to make the provision of water for irrigation to farmers an obligation of the state, which is especially pressing given the long-term forecasts of climate change, emphasized Minister Vatev.
The opportunity to increase the consumption of local, fresh and quality products was another topic of conversation. In this regard, Minister Vatev also commented on the completed procedure under the EPA for centers for preparation for marketing and storage of fruits and vegetables.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tanya Georgieva presented to the mayors the dialogue with the EC on the first amendment of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas for the program period 2023-2027, concerning the intervention “Investments in basic services and small-scale infrastructure in rural areas “. The principles for determining the selection criteria for the intervention were also discussed.
She emphasized that projects to build infrastructure in rural areas remain priority for MZHwith the Ministry’s team taking into account the importance of these activities for improving the quality of life there and for stimulating their economic, social and cultural development.
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