By the end of the year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food will develop and present a comprehensive land-use concept for Bulgaria. Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovsky made this announcement during a roundtable discussion at the "Field Day" event, initiated by the National Association of Grain Producers and the Dobrudzha Union of Grain Producers in the village of Paskalevo, Dobrich Region.
“Two principles are fundamental to me: agricultural land must belong to those who cultivate it, and we must establish long-term leases. Without a comprehensive framework, sustainable agriculture is unattainable," stated Minister Abrovsky. He emphasized that land tenure policies impact all producers, making it essential to involve representatives from across the agricultural spectrum in drafting the concept. The objective is to consolidate proposals from industry associations to forge a unified vision for the future management and use of agricultural land. Once a consensus on the core principles is reached, the necessary legislative framework will be developed. "I hope that by the end of the year, we will not merely present a draft, but have a fully approved concept. Only then can we proceed with drafting the legislation," the Minister noted.
Minister Abrovsky also announced that by the end of the year, the Regional Directorates of Agriculture will conduct comprehensive inspections across every land district in the country. This oversight will also target outstanding financial obligations, and prompt collection measures will be enforced for any established violations. "It is unacceptable for some to operate without paying their dues while others strictly comply. This practice will be brought to a definitive end," the Minister stated categorically.
He reminded attendees that a draft Bill amending and supplementing the Agricultural Land Ownership and Use Act has already been submitted, introducing changes aimed at improving sector regulation. The Minister stressed that while short-term legislative measures can resolve pressing issues, the sustainable development of the agricultural sector demands a holistic vision and a predictable regulatory environment.
In his opening remarks at the "Field Day," Minister Abrovsky asserted that agriculture can and must become a strategic sector for Bulgaria—vital not only for food production but also for national security, economic development, and sustainability. He highlighted the critical need for a consistent, long-term state policy, prioritizing investments in irrigation, farm modernization, new technologies, digitalization, and innovation.
The Minister identified boosting the added value of Bulgaria's agricultural output as a core priority. He emphasized achieving this by fostering cooperative models, scaling up processing capacities, optimizing water resource management, and bridging the gap between science, education, and field practice. “The state's mandate is to ensure a predictable environment, clear regulations, and a long-term vision. Under these conditions, agriculture will serve not merely as an important sector, but as a primary engine of the Bulgarian economy," stated Minister Abrovsky.