Unusual snowfall and low temperatures have led to frostbite of fruit trees in Bulgaria. Fruit growers in Central and Northern Bulgaria report that the expected harvest may be compromised. In Northeastern Bulgaria, apricot trees have been severely affected, with areas like Ruse and Silistra experiencing near-total crop loss, according to Nova TV.
Sinan Veysal, deputy chairman of the Fruits and Vegetables branch chamber, noted, "This applies mainly to the Ruse and Silistra districts. In Silistra in particular, it is a traditional crop and unfortunately 99 percent of the areas have completely disappeared."
The cold snap has impacted both early and later fruit varieties, affecting regions across the country. Veysal explained, "Both cherries and peaches are gone, as the main region for peach production is Sliven, where the damage is total. In Ruse, the damage to dessert peaches is very large, and with cherries too - over 90 percent of the areas are affected. The situation in Kyustendil is also very bad."
Fruit growers anticipate relying on imports, potentially at two to three times the usual price. Veysal remarked, "If we assume that it was US$1.64, now I expect prices to exceed US$5.47."
A lack of compensation mechanisms poses further challenges, as state aid is only available for those with 100 percent failed areas. Veysal highlighted, "The main problem with the implementation of this fund is that for agricultural producers to be able to benefit from it, they must be insured. And in Bulgaria, fruit is insured after April 20, but we are outside this period."
Source: akmu
