Bulgarian livestock breeders are warning that the sector is approaching a breaking point because of low purchase prices, weak market oversight, and growing pressure from imported products. Boyko Sinapov, chairman of the Association “United Bulgarian Livestock Breeders,” said producers are struggling to survive and that many farms are already operating below cost.
Speaking on BNT, Sinapov said farmers have been taking part in discussions with the government and institutions, including meetings at the Agriculture Ministry and with the prime minister, but argued that the core problems facing the sector remain unresolved.
“We are on the front line in these talks, but when it comes to the retail chains and the chaos surrounding our products, we are left at the exit,” he said. “Nobody takes into account the real production prices or the conditions under which our goods are sold.”
As an example, Sinapov pointed to the sharp gap between farm-gate prices and retail prices. According to him, raw milk is currently being purchased from farms for around 0.30 euros per liter, while dairy products continue to be sold at much higher prices in stores.
“This is a paradox,” he said, adding that producers are increasingly unable to cover their expenses. “Right now, we are selling our products below cost price. This cannot continue.”
