Bulgaria has emerged as a leader in agricultural support for the small ruminant sector within the European Union, according to the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Association.
The association’s members recently attended a prominent European livestock exhibition in France, where they assessed Bulgaria’s subsidy levels compared to those in other countries.
Simeon Karakolev, co-chairman of the association, expressed surprise at the extent of support offered to French sheep farmers, which amounts to approximately 25 euros per animal. The French system also includes a cap on the number of animals eligible for subsidies.
In contrast, Bulgarian farmers currently receive a mix of subsidies totaling nearly 80 euros per sheep, making it one of the highest support levels in the EU.
Karakolev, who has long advocated for increased state assistance, emphasized that subsidies in Bulgaria have been augmented by aid from Ukraine over the last three years.
For 2024, the state allocated 660 million leva to agricultural subsidies, a figure some farmers have labeled as merely a “handout.”
Support for Bulgarian farmers has been structured with various financial aids, including payments tied to livestock numbers and specific COVID-19 assistance amounting to 30 leva per sheep in 2022.
Additionally, subsidies from Ukraine provided 70 leva per head last year. Despite the extensive subsidy network, Karakolev acknowledged that Bulgarian farmers face challenges related to production efficiency and cost management.
The delegation noted that the market situation in France presents its own difficulties. Purchase prices for sheep’s milk range from 1 to 1.10 euros per liter, almost on par with prices in Bulgaria, while lamb carcass meat sells for between 9.5 and 10 euros per kilogram.
However, French farmers consistently achieve better outcomes, with finished products often priced over 18 euros per kilogram.
Karakolev explained that French agricultural subsidies do not dictate livestock management practices, as financial support is limited to a maximum of 100 animals per farm.
During the visit, Bulgarian farmers discovered that the success of French sheep farming lies in optimizing production processes, increasing productivity, and encouraging collaboration.
Karakolev observed that French farmers focus on efficiency, with farm owners often undertaking multiple tasks, such as operating machinery and handling livestock, to reduce dependency on hired labor.
Another significant difference highlighted during the visit was land management. French farmers integrate crop farming with livestock breeding, ensuring that no farm operates without its own land.
In the Central Massif region, land rental rates range from 100 to 150 euros per hectare, supporting self-sufficiency in fodder production.
Conversely, many Bulgarian farms rely on external suppliers for animal feed, driving up operational expenses. Additionally, every French farmer is part of a cooperative, which facilitates shared resources and eliminates the need for direct sales.
Reflecting on these insights, Karakolev suggested that Bulgarian livestock producers need to reconsider their approach to animal husbandry.
He emphasized the importance of adopting efficient production techniques, embracing cooperative farming, and improving cost management to compete effectively on the European market.