Livestock Farmers Block Pleven–Sofia Road near Village of Yasen, Demanding Fair Distribution of Drought Relief Funds

Livestock farmers blocked the Pleven–Sofia road near the village of Yasen, demanding a fair distribution of emergency aid in response to the drought. They claim that the support is intended only for certain sectors and regions. The Minister of Agriculture, however, says eligibility is based solely on proven losses caused by the drought.

Radoslav, who runs a family business with 150 cows, says he is on the brink of going out of business.

Radoslav Yavrov, livestock farmer: “We do our best to maintain the highest possible genetic quality, bringing in animals from Germany and Austria, but there is nothing to incentivise us to keep working. It is not right that neighbouring regions such as Vratsa and Montana receive subsidies while we do not. Everyone should receive support.”

One of the main problems facing farmers who keep dairy cows is the price of milk, which they say has been kept artificially low for years. Those who rear beef cattle, meanwhile, have not been included in the state’s drought relief scheme at all.

Stefan Pashev, agricultural producer: “Only dairy cows, goats and sheep are covered. Is meat not needed in our country? Why have we been excluded from this whole process? They cannot divide us into sectors, as if there is a drought for some but not for others.”

The Minister of Agriculture explained that the aid is not allocated according to either region or sector. Farmers must prove that the drought caused them to lose 30% of their production in 2025.

Plamen Abrovski, Minister of Agriculture and Food: “The problem is that, until now, funds in Bulgaria have always been distributed across the board – per animal or per hectare. Our farmers have become accustomed to the idea that, whether there is a need everywhere or only in specific areas, everyone should receive an equal share so that there is no conflict. This is not possible in the current case, because the European Commission itself has changed the way support is allocated.”

As many livestock farmers do not meet the eligibility criteria for the aid, they are planning a nationwide protest next Wednesday.