FAS Reports 2007

Oct 31 2007 | Bulgaria | The EU wine reform and the Bulgarian response 

Highlight: The Bulgarian wine industry is important as a major export earner and as a valuable part of local culinary culture. Most exports are to non-EU countries. The industry has restructured an is expanding fairly rapidly. Producers generally are in favor of the new EC wine reform proposal which is seen as an opportunity for an expansion and fair competition.

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Aug 30 2007 | Bulgaria | Grains and Oilseeds Update  

Highlight: The food and feed deficit in Bulgaria has further deepened in August with an anticipated 50 percent reduction in the corn crop and a more than 30 percent decline in the sunflower crop. Lower stocks and lack of price competitive alternatives for imports are driving all staple food prices upward. In MY07/08, corn imports are most likely to come from Hungarian intervention stocks and/or Latin America. In July, Bulgaria exported 43,000 MT of barley to non-EU destinations. Reportedly, most cross-border trade in wheat will be with Greece and Romania.

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Aug 20 2007 | Bulgaria | Bulgarian Fish Imports Update 

Highlight: Bulgaria's recent accession to the European Union will rpovide stimulus for further growth and expansion in the already growing market for fish and fishery products. Imports of fish and fishery products have increased overall over the past 5 years, with key factors being the decline in the local fish supply and a growing demand for varieties not found in domestic fishing grounds. Another major factor is Bulgaria's recent accession to the European Union, which changed the import tariff regime. Very low per capita fish consumption in Bulgaria, together with strongly growing demand, offer excellent opportunities for U.S. exporters to expand sales to this market.  

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Aug 1 2007 | Bulgaria | Bread and beer market update 

Highlight: Due to the drought in the Southern Balkans, Bulgarian bread prices are up substantially and are forecast to rise further. Beer production and consumption are rising, although prices will increase along with malting barley prices, also due to the drought and deficit.

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Aug 1 2007 | Bulgaria | A cup of hot milk for Bulgarian dairy reform 

Highlight: Dairy reform is one of the most serious challenges in 2007 for Bulgarian agriculture policy makers. It is causing economic, social and political complications, especially in rural areas. Bulgaria is negotiating with the EC an extended grace period for milk quality until 2010, a decision perceived with mixed feelings by the industry. In addition, the newly approved major legislation is still far from the European and international approach and preserves the government functions in selection and breeding work, thus restricting the development of breeding associations and potentially hurting U.S. genetics exports.

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Aug 1 2007 | Bulgaria | Animal health challenges for the Bulgarian pork sector 

Highlight: The latest EC inspection of the classical swine fever eradication program in Bulgaria found a number of deficiencies and had negative conclusions. At this point it is not likely that fresh Bulgarian pork will be allowed to enter the single market after September 2007 when the current ban expires. The EC inspection report caused legislative revisions. The pork industry is struggling with a number of serious challenges - animal health issues, grain deficit, rising costs and anticipated trade restrictions.

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Aug 1 2007 | Bulgaria | Grain deficit. Economic impact. 

Highlight: Current wheat and barley deficit is forecast to expand to the corn and sunflower crop, adversely affected by record July heat. Bulgaria faces serious challenges related to skyrocketing bread prices and the negative effects on the livestock industries. The local Intervention Agency is not yet in operation, imports of malting barley and feedstuffs are on the horizon, and domestic support funds for the fall planting are minimal. This situation will undoubtedly hurt the economic performance of the entire agricultural sector in 2007.

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Jun 27 2007 | Bulgaria | Market Update 

Highlight: Bulgarian Government faces one of the biggest challenges in the EU accession process - current EC inspection of the Paying Agency which may potentially result in cut off of 25% of CAP domestic support funds. At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture approved national budget support funds at roughly 10 million euro for various agricultural industries. Total 79,000 farmers cultivating 3.38 million HA will receive direct subsidies under SAPS in 2007.  

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Jun 27 2007 | Bulgaria | Domestic support update 

Highlight: Bulgarian Government faces one of the biggest challenges in the EU accession process - current EC inspection of the Paying Agency which may potentially result in cut off of 25% of CAP domestic support funds. At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture approved national budget support funds at roughly 10 million euro for various agricultural industries. Total 79,000 farmers cultivating 3.38 million HA will receive direct subsidies under SAPS in 2007.

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May 14 2007 | Bulgaria | EU accession impact on the dairy market. Update 

Highlight: EU accession impact on the dairy market. Update.

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May 14 2007 | Bulgaria | Domestic support update 

Highlight: In 2007, about 63,000 farmers are expected to be eligible for direct subsidies under single area payment schemes. The amount of subsidy per hectare is estimated at 70-75 Euro/HA as a combination of EU and national funding. Payments for energy crops and farms in less favored areas are likely to be minimal due to late introduction of the legislation.

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May 14 2007 | Bulgaria | EU accession impact on the wine market 

Highlight: Bulgarian wine industry is progressing well with increased exports and new investments in vine production and wine manufacturing. Wine imports in 2006 were record high at about USD 10.0 million with a growing share of bottled wines.

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May

14 2007 | Bulgaria | Tree Nuts Update 

Highlight: Following recent scandals with imports of peanuts with higher than allowed aflatoxin content the nuts market experienced a temporary crisis which was overcome by May. Health authorities and traders confirm that recent scandals led to 100 percent inspection of all third country shipments. Nevertheless, imports of U.S. almonds for the first two months grew by 190 percent.

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May 14 2007 | Bulgaria | EU accession impact on the grain and oilseeds sector. Update 

Highlight: Grain and oilseeds markets slowly adjust to new changes as a result of Bulgaria's EU accession. Implementation of EU model grain intervention policies are currently a major challenge for the government and industry, due to lack of experience and various political conditions.  

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Apr 16 2007 | Bulgaria | Classical Swine Fever Outbreak and Pork Market Effect 

Highlight: In August, Bulgaria officially announced its third classical swine fever outbreak. The upcoming EU animal health inspections may challenge Bulgarian vaccination practices with possible negative consequences for the sector. Although the MinAg is committed to eradicating classical swine fever in Bulgaria, the industry needs to make a more serious effort to address EU structural and health requirements.

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Apr 11 2007 | Bulgaria | EU accession impact on Bulgaria 

Highlight: Bulgaria's accession to the European Union is expected to have a significant impact on the country's agricultural and food sector and trade. The most significant changes are likely to come from adoption of the Common Agricultural Policy, new regulatory requirements, and application of new external tariffs. Despite substantial EU assistance, far exceeding domestic support in pre-2006 period, structural and administration problems are expected to limit the country's potential to absorb funding in 2007.

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Mar 27 2007 | Bulgaria | Import Requirements for Nuts 

Highlight: The new 2007 import requirements for nuts, related to Bulgaria’s accession to the EU, open new, better opportunities for U.S. exporters. The trade regime is more favorable with tariffs sharply reduced from an average 35 percent to below 5 percent. The competition from traditional nuts suppliers, usually third countries, is likely to weaken due to more stringent safety norms. At the same time, growing demand and consumption will be sustained by increasing consumer incomes and fast development of retail and food service sectors.

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Feb 19 2007 | Bulgaria | Exporter Guide Bulgaria 2006 

Highlight: From 2000-2006, Bulgaria experienced GDP growth of 4-6 percent with a declining unemployment rate and a tight budget policy. Tourism remains a leading industry, with USD 2.6 billion in income in 2006 and annual growth of 11-17 percent over the last five years. International supermarket chains have flourished, providing new opportunities for U.S. food and beverage exporters.

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Jan 23 2007 | Bulgaria | EU bans Bulgarian meat and dairy trade 

Highlight: Meat and dairy sectors were the first to face the severe challenges of EU membership. At the end of 2006, Brussels decided to block Bulgarian meat and dairy trade with EU member states throughout 2007, cooled local expectations for growth and emerging euro optimism. It was interpreted as de facto safeguard measure in the food safety area since Bulgarian veterinary office was deprived from the ability to make final decisions.

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Jan 11 2007 | Bulgaria | Consumer Food Service Market 

Highlight: Prospects for the consumer foodservice industry in Bulgaria are bright and interesting. Although at slower rates, the market will continue to develop and high value sales will grow. Competition will be the main driving force with EU accession. The two categories likely to experience the fastest growth in 2007 are fast food, and food preparation for home delivery.

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