Measure 4.1 for modernization of agriculture, totaling 250 million euros, serves the interests of a certain range of large agricultural holdings. This is what Mariana Miltenova, chair of the Bulgarian National. Horticultural Union, has told BNR.

According to her, the problems in the sector are extremely severe and have remained unresolved for 10 years. The major issues are related to water supply, the labor force, the sale of produce and contacts with retail chains. The lack of labor force leads to reduction in arable land and the amount of fruit and vegetables produced, Miltenova said.

In 1998, Bulgaria produced 470 thousand tons of tomatoes, while in 2018 it produced 148 thousand tons. Before the democratic changes Bulgaria produced 40 times more tomatoes than needed locally and most of the produce went for export. According to Miltenova, if small companies were not supported, business in the fruit and vegetable sector would be destroyed within 10-15 years.