Dimitar Rachev: Cash registers at markets could solve the problem with fake farmers

Nearly all apricot plantations have been damaged by late sub-zero temperatures, affecting 97% of plantations and resulting in a potential European apricot deficit. The Danube Fruit Growers' Union, with only 20 out of 300 members actively participating, is seeking aid and facing challenges such as increased administrative burdens and fraudulent sales by farmers. The union's production potential is approximately 50 thousand tons of fruit. The use of the Electronic Services System (ESS) and the lack of control over market transactions are additional issues exacerbating the difficulties for fruit growers.

Around 97% of apricot plantations have been frozen this spring due to the late sub-zero temperatures, according to the latest assessment of fruit growers in the region. "In addition, we have major damage to peaches, plums and also acceptable damage to cherries. According to information we have from Greece, there will be no apricots there this year and there will most likely be a deficit throughout Europe," commented Dimitar Rachev from the Danube Fruit Growers' Union for Agri.BG. The lack of apricots means a zero year for many fruit growers from Northeastern Bulgaria, it became clear from his words. In practice, people cannot cover the costs of current processing of the plantations. Dimitar Rachev: In principle, the demand for apricots is very high and the available production cannot meet the interest in a normal year, what is left after such negative events. We requested de minimis in connection with the difficult year in the sector. Some of the colleagues will receive aid for ...