The industry insists on the prevention of damage to fruit plantations, not just compensation.

Branch organizations and science must unite efforts to protect fruit plantations from climatic impacts and pests, instead of merely compensating for losses, stated Bozhidar Petkov, chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Raspberry and Strawberry Producers (BAM-Y) and a member of the Bulgarian Agrarian Chamber (BAC). During the new week, the BAC will submit a request for the establishment of a Fruit Advisory Council (FAC). Petkov clarified that if other organizations support the initiative, a public forum – a round table or another form of discussion on the issues – could be organized to prepare the sector for the next season. The measures discussed at the FAC must be included in the strategic plan to be implemented and financed. The main topics are combating harmful climatic impacts, dealing with economically dangerous pests, and administrative lapses where some fruit growers leave sick or attacked orchards uncontrolled, turning them into sources of infection and pests. "The ...