Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Vine growers in Bulgaria face bankruptcy

| updated on 3/24/22 7:10 PM
The National Association of Bulgarian Vine-growers protest in front of the Ministry of Agriculture on March 24, 2022.
Photo: BGNES

The lack of adequate government policy to support Bulgarian viticulture forced the representatives of the industry to protest today in front of the Ministry of Agriculture in Sofia. 

After several fruitless regional protests, the National Association of Vine Growers in Bulgaria came out in protest demanding a strong commitment from the state. According to the association's chairman, Petyo Boshnakov, Bulgaria is on the tail of the EU in terms of subsidising viticulture. Bulgarian wine growers receive 13.50 euros per hectare per year (1 hectare - 2.47105 acres), while in other countries subsidies reach 200-300 euros per hectare.

Vine growers are unable to cope with the pressure of the price increase and are expecting to receive at least the aid promised under the COVID-19 measure, said Boshnakov adding that the minimum subsidy of 30% granted to them is woefully inadequate to cover their costs.

During the protest, representatives of the wine-making sector were invited to a meeting with Deputy Minister of Agriculture Stefan Burdzhev, with whom they discussed possible ways to support the industry in the short term.

The two sides agreed to consider possibilities for support under the Covid-19 support measure. The possible subsidies that will be provided with the Strategic Plan 2023-2027 were also discussed.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM