BRUSSELS—Bulgaria is set to urge the European Commission for protective measures to shield its local honey industry from a surge in Ukrainian honey imports, citing significant challenges for domestic beekeepers.
The call for intervention will be made on Monday during a meeting of EU agriculture and fisheries ministers in Brussels, where Bulgaria intends to outline the impact of low-priced Ukrainian honey on its local market.
According to Bulgarian officials, the influx of Ukrainian honey, sold at significantly reduced prices, is driving down the value of locally produced honey, making it difficult for domestic producers to compete.
The situation has led to a steep decline in Bulgarian honey exports to other European Union countries, with many international buyers now opting for the cheaper Ukrainian alternative.
The sharp rise in Ukrainian honey imports follows the European Union’s decision to ease import restrictions on Ukrainian goods as part of its support measures amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
While the decision has helped Ukraine maintain its agricultural exports, Bulgaria argues that the current system of open-market access has resulted in unforeseen consequences for some EU producers.
Local beekeepers in Bulgaria report shrinking profits, with many struggling to keep their businesses viable due to the low price points offered by Ukrainian honey.
Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture and Food Kiril Vatev, who will represent Bulgaria at Monday’s meeting, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the European Commission’s previous attempts at market safeguards have proven insufficient.
“The Commission’s measures, while well-intended, have not adequately protected our domestic honey sector,” Vatev said in a statement. “Our producers are facing a market distortion that threatens their livelihoods and the future of Bulgarian honey production.”
Currently, the average import price of Ukrainian honey entering Bulgaria is significantly lower than the cost of domestic honey production, a discrepancy that Bulgarian producers find increasingly difficult to compete against.
Beekeepers across the country have voiced concerns, stating that without protective measures, Bulgaria’s once-thriving honey industry could face an irreversible downturn.
Industry experts in Bulgaria warn that, if left unchecked, the situation could further erode the competitiveness of Bulgarian honey in the EU market, resulting in a decrease in production and an eventual decline in honey quality.
Local beekeepers have called for urgent action, requesting import quotas or additional tariffs on Ukrainian honey to stabilize prices and protect the local market.
The Bulgarian Honey Producers Association has also voiced support for the government’s stance, highlighting the environmental and economic significance of protecting local bee populations and supporting domestic honey production.
The association noted that a thriving domestic honey sector is vital not only for economic stability but also for environmental health, as bees play a crucial role in pollination and biodiversity.
Bulgaria’s plea aligns with similar concerns raised by other EU member states who have also been affected by the influx of lower-priced agricultural products from Ukraine.
Analysts anticipate that the European Commission will weigh the broader impact on EU agriculture and consider targeted measures to address the specific needs of affected industries, including honey production.
As Bulgaria’s proposal heads to the European Commission, many in the industry hope for swift action to preserve Bulgaria’s honey sector, which has long been recognized for its high quality and unique flavor profile.
The country’s producers await Monday’s meeting with anticipation, hoping that EU ministers will respond to their call for fair competition and protection within the European market.