Agriculture Ministry Drafts Bill to Protect Farmers and Ensure Fair Pricing

The Agriculture and Food Ministry is drafting a bill to regulate all levels of the agrifood chain, aiming to protect farmers and ensure fair prices for their produce, Minister Georgi Tahov announced on bTV. He emphasized that the bill would not violate the rights of other market operators, CE Report quotes BTA

Tahov stated that the ministry aims to implement the bill within a month, following consultations with industry organizations. Unlike proposals from BSP - United Left and Vazrazhdane, this bill seeks to uphold market economy principles while supporting producers. "By protecting producers who are also suppliers, we aim to lower prices for consumers," he explained.

Addressing concerns about political tensions, Tahov stressed the importance of rational discussions. "We cannot change the principle of free trade in the EU in 2025," he said. He also noted that while the government cannot force supermarkets to remove fees for farmers, the bill would ensure contractual freedom for producers to choose whether to pay them.

Tahov cited 2024 statistics showing 136 tonnes of food were destroyed due to expired products, unregulated sales, and improper labeling.

Commenting on the February 13 consumer boycott of major supermarket chains over high food prices, he expressed support for civil initiatives, noting that his own family participated. However, he emphasized that such actions are not a long-term solution.