Ministry of Agriculture takes steps to preserve and develop the unique breed "East Balkan Pig"

The East Balkan pig is a unique breed for Bulgaria that should be preserved. It is necessary for the state to create optimal conditions for the breeding of this species of animals and their sale on the market.

This was stated by caretaker Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Georgi Sabev, on June 25 during a meeting with representatives of the Association for Breeding and Preservaion of the East Balkan Pig.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister for Livestock Breeding, Krum Nedelkov, and experts from the Ministry.

Given the aggravated situation in the country due to African swine fever, it is difficult to graze the existing four herds of 400 animals. In this regard, the Executive Forest Agency was instructed to look for land for breeding East Balkan pigs, where fences can be built.

The meeting also discussed topics related to the protection of the genetic fund of the breed, the methods of breeding related to zoning and requirements for livestock farms, trade in breeding and slaughter animals, as well as the implementation of strategies to promote the breed and its products in the country and in the European Union and intellectual property.

Deputy Minister Sabev proposed to study foreign experience, in particular that of Hungary, Spain and Portugal, to preserve the uniqueness of the rare breeds.