June 7, 2011
Bulgaria's meat, milk exports continue to grow
Bulgaria's meat and milk exports are increasing, according to the country's Deputy Agriculture Minister Tsvetan Dimitrov, with data showing a growth of 20% in 2010 on-year coming from agricultural products exports.
Bulgaria's foreign trade in agricultural products registered a positive balance of US$1 billion in 2010, he said in the northern town of Troyan at a conference on meat producing agriculture.
"There is a global shortage of high-protein foods, and a growing demand for these products; this is a market niche where Bulgarian producers can find their place," the deputy minister said.
Over 80% of Bulgaria's agricultural export goes to the rest of the EU at present, which, according to Dimitrov, demonstrates its quality and safety.
He further said that upon Bulgaria's EU accession in 2007 only 1% of the Bulgarian farms met the EU requirements, while four years later their share has reached over 50%, and by the end of 2011 all the remaining farms are expected to follow suit.
In 2010, Bulgaria's government provided BGN109 million (US$81.28 million) in agricultural subsidies, while in 2011 the money slated for subsidies is BGN130 million (US$96.94 million).
