SURPLUS OF OIL-BEARING ROSES IN BULGARIA

Bulgaria has a surplus of oil-bearing rose plants, which creates problems for the harvesting of the rose flowers, representatives of the rose-growing industry say. As a result of the large yields last year and the high price, some amounts of rose oil are still unsold, which may lead to reduced price of the products this year.

According to producers, the problem may be solved if farmers replace the oil-bearing rose with other essential oil-bearing crops, which cultivation is supported under the Rural Development Programme.

Experts say that Bulgaria needs to reorientate toward growing other varieties of essential oil-bearing crops such as peppermint, yarrow, lime and yellow poppy. Such plants can be grown in other regions in Bulgaria, not only in the Rose Valley.