Listen to the news

Local initiative groups from the Strategic Plan will be supported with more than 280 million euros in the next program period.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Georgi Sabev, at the opening of an exhibition of products produced on the territories of the local initiative groups (LIG) from all over the country, which apply the approach "Community-led local development during the program period 2014-2020" (VOMR ) in Yambol, the press center of the Ministry of Agriculture reports.

He specified that the funds will be provided directly to the initiative groups, and they themselves will prepare strategies in which they will determine priorities and the amount of aid.

He also specified that the projects do not compete at the national level, but only within the territorial scope of the LAG.

How long will the state be the main culprit for the liquidation of native agriculture?

The Deputy Minister also pointed out that local initiative groups have been gaining popularity in recent years, with over 60 currently operating on the territory of Bulgaria. "There are local initiative groups in the municipalities of Straldzha, Bolyarovo, Elhovo and Tundzha, and they actively participate in exhibitions like today's.

This makes up 97% of the territory of the Yambol region", specified Georgi Sabev.

He commented that the expectations are that the Leader approach will develop the potential with the support provided for in the Strategic Plan for the new Common Agricultural Policy of the EU.

"In this way, more manufacturers will have the platform to show their products directly to the end consumer."

This will increase the positive evaluation of Bulgarian products and, accordingly, their demand," he added.

"Manufacturers must produce according to requirements, but also with emotion and desire, then consumers will appreciate and prefer them.

The state should not sit aside and also has a lot to do to achieve these goals," said Deputy Minister Sabev.

And he explained that it is necessary to update the Bulgarian legislation, in which support for the development of the farmers' markets can be laid.

In Yambol, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture also participated in a discussion on local foods and products.

"I am a supporter of the thesis that local products are a little forgotten element of the regional economy, and they have the potential to contribute to the development of regions," he said.

According to him, they are also an opportunity to diversify the regions, because they present themselves on the market with something different, but also preserve the tradition.

"I expect today that we will exchange views and leave the beginning of a fruitful discussion, so that we can make these products an important part of the development of local economies", he summarized and in conclusion added that by supporting business, we are also preserving traditions over the centuries.

The exhibition is being held today and tomorrow in Yambol, Osvobozhdenie square, where residents and guests of the city can taste and buy delicacies such as: cheese with savory, cheese with olives, traditional Bulgarian dairy products - sheep, cow and buffalo cheese, yellow cheese, yogurt, tahini products from sesame, hazelnut, peanut, walnut, almond, pumpkin and others, honey and bee products, meat sausages.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy handmade Bulgarian candies, fresh fruits and vegetables, organic wines, natural juices and others.

Everyone will also be able to find handmade artisan goods, such as jewelry, as well as a variety of cosmetics - lavender and rose products.

financial assistance

Georgi Sabev

Yambol