Farmers Across Europe and Bulgaria Criticize EU Green Deal

Kostadin Kostadinov, chairman of the Bulgarian Agrarian Chamber, conveyed these concerns during an interview on Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, where he criticized the Green Deal for imposing agricultural practices that are incompatible with local climate and soil conditions

He described the initiative as a setback for the EU's agricultural sector, citing escalating production costs, declining yields, and a wave of bankruptcies among producers
He described the initiative as a setback for the EU's agricultural sector, citing escalating production costs, declining yields, and a wave of bankruptcies among producers

Farmers throughout Europe, including Bulgaria, are voicing strong discontent with the European Union’s Green Deal, labeling the environmental initiative a failure.

Kostadin Kostadinov, chairman of the Bulgarian Agrarian Chamber, conveyed these concerns during an interview on Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, where he criticized the Green Deal for imposing agricultural practices that are incompatible with local climate and soil conditions.

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He described the initiative as a setback for the EU’s agricultural sector, citing escalating production costs, declining yields, and a wave of bankruptcies among producers.

Kostadinov argued that while the Green Deal aims to promote sustainable farming practices, it has inadvertently harmed farmers by raising operational expenses without delivering the promised benefits.

“The Green Deal has compelled farmers to adapt to practices that clash with the local realities of climate and soil,” he said, explaining that these policies have had unintended consequences for farmers struggling to maintain productivity.

The agricultural expert emphasized that effective legislative and state support could significantly benefit the farming sector, provided they are implemented with care.

However, he pointed to the numerous administrative hurdles farmers currently face, advocating for their reduction to streamline agricultural operations.

He noted that burdensome bureaucracy is compounding the difficulties already presented by external factors such as climate change, market pressures stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine, and an influx of food imports from non-EU countries.

The war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the agricultural market, disrupting supply chains and affecting prices.

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Kostadinov highlighted that financial aid aimed at Ukrainian farmers is already in progress, with the first tranche of assistance disbursed and a second expected by the end of November. Despite these measures, farmers across Europe continue to struggle with high costs and dwindling support.

Kostadinov also addressed the dire situation caused by climate change, with widespread drought and wildfires severely impacting agricultural production in Bulgaria and beyond.

As the country’s farmers work to harvest approximately 80% of the national agricultural output, yields for key crops such as sunflower and corn have fallen significantly, while wheat yields vary drastically across regions.

“The situation for sunflower and corn is critical,” he said, indicating that the combination of climate challenges and economic pressures has made it difficult for farmers to maintain stable output.

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The European Commission is reportedly considering policy changes that could further impact agricultural producers.

Kostadinov warned that these developments could exacerbate existing challenges, placing additional strain on the farming community already grappling with reduced yields and financial instability.

The dissatisfaction with the Green Deal among European farmers is growing, with many expressing frustration over policies that appear disconnected from the realities on the ground.

The escalating financial strain, coupled with climatic adversities, has led to a call for more pragmatic solutions that prioritize the sustainability of farming operations while acknowledging the unique conditions faced by each region.

Farmers are urging EU policymakers to reassess the Green Deal’s approach to agricultural sustainability, with a focus on reducing administrative burdens and providing targeted support to help farmers adapt to climate change while maintaining economic viability.

As the debate continues, the future of European agriculture hangs in the balance, with stakeholders hoping for a shift towards more farmer-friendly policies.