The Bulgarian Chamber of Fruits and Vegetables (BCV) reports growing disruption across orchards due to the spread of the black scab pest (Capnodis tenebrionis). The organisation states that the pest is causing extensive, irreversible damage in multiple regions and has already led to bankruptcies among growers in the Haskovo area, where established plantations have been lost.
According to BCV, the pest destroys affected trees and eliminates any possibility of recovery or continued production. "This is a crisis that is growing daily. Our members are losing their livelihoods, and the state has not yet presented a solution on how to manage the situation," the Chamber said.
BCV has held discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) and the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA). The Chamber notes that although the issue has been raised repeatedly in recent months, there is still no proposed action plan for pest control, no procedure for eradication, and no mechanism for compensating affected growers.
The organisation is calling for urgent state intervention, describing the spread of Capnodis tenebrionis as a national-level problem for orchard production. BCV outlines several priorities, including the preparation of an official plan to limit and eradicate the pest and the support and compensation of growers who have already lost orchards. The Chamber also highlights the need for the involvement of the scientific community to establish evidence-based measures for managing the pest.
"The black goldfish is not just harmful. It destroys the future. If the state does not act immediately, Bulgarian fruit growing will suffer damage from which it will not be able to recover for years," BCV stated.
The Chamber says it remains ready for further dialogue and participation in expert groups and crisis teams as institutions work on potential responses.
Source: akmu
