The crop production sector is of critical importance to the Bulgarian economy. It has a strategic character, as we all seek access to high-quality food. This was stated by Irina Shtonova, Minister of Economy and Industry, at a briefing following a meeting with representatives of the crop production sector. The meeting was also attended by Ivan Hristanov, Minister of Agriculture and Food. The discussion took place at the Ministry of Economy and Industry and focused on the main challenges facing the sector and the possibilities for state support.
“The government’s initial efforts were directed precisely towards the agricultural sector,” Minister Shtonova said. Among the specific measures, she highlighted the acceleration of payments to producers, the reduction of excise duty on fuels for farmers, and the postponement of the increase in toll charges. “We hope these measures will provide them with some breathing space,” she emphasised, adding that further support options were also discussed during the meeting.
The Minister of Economy also drew attention to actions already taken in support of other affected sectors. “About a week ago, we held a meeting with transport companies, which are bearing a significant share of the burden of rising fuel prices. For them, we have also provided an option to defer their leasing instalments, which has generated considerable interest,” she stated. Minister Shtonova explained that a similar measure could support the crop production sector as well. “We are aware that agricultural producers operate with expensive equipment, often acquired through leasing. For this reason, we are prepared, through the Bulgarian Export Insurance Agency, to offer a scheme for deferring these obligations until the end of the year,” she added.
She explained that under this scheme, producers would pay only the interest on the principal, without additional cost increases. In practice, this means they would pay between 5 and 10 per cent of the amounts due, with the remaining portion to be rescheduled within the repayment plan. “This is a tangible measure to alleviate one of the largest cost burdens for companies. The aim is to give them the opportunity to maintain their resilience in conditions of considerable uncertainty and high costs,” Irina Shtonova stressed.
The Minister of Economy also announced additional support instruments through the Bulgarian Export Insurance Agency, including programmes to facilitate access to bank financing for small and medium-sized enterprises and to insure working capital loans in support of exports. “State support is crucial, but we must remain realistic about the situation we are in. Today’s dialogue was constructive and will continue, as I believe that together we will find the most appropriate solutions,” Minister Shtonova underlined.
The notification for state aid for gas oil for the agriculture sector was also submitted today to the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria for approval. This was announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Ivan Hristanov. The support will take the form of a one-off additional rebate on the excise duty applied to fuel used in agriculture, under the state aid scheme “Aid in the form of a rebate on the value of excise duty on gas oil used in primary agricultural production” for the 2025 campaign. “The rebate is increased from 0.21 to 0.31 eurocents per litre of fuel, with the measure covering the entire year 2025. The total amount of aid is 22 million euro,” Minister Hristanov stated. He further announced that by the end of June, 303 million euro in direct payments to agricultural producers would be disbursed, with the funds to be transferred two to three weeks ahead of the deadlines set in the indicative schedule, in order to ensure liquidity for farmers.
Both ministers also highlighted today’s decision by the European Commission, which approved Bulgaria’s request to introduce temporary state aid for energy-intensive enterprises. The measure provides support amounting to 334 million euro over the next three years and is aimed at preserving the economic viability of the affected companies.
During the meeting, representatives of the crop production sector raised concerns regarding the high prices of fertilisers, fuels, and energy as a result of the international situation and ongoing military conflicts. They emphasised the need for a clear financial framework and state support. Participants in the meeting agreed on the importance of continuing the dialogue and jointly seeking sustainable solutions in support of Bulgarian agriculture.