Agricultural producers across Bulgaria have until Oct. 2, 2026, to submit applications for the 2026 de minimis emergency financial aid scheme, according to an announcement from the State Fund Agriculture (SFA). The governing board of the SFA approved a total budget of 42.6 million euros to help farmers in the livestock and crop sectors cover their ongoing production costs amidst mounting operational pressures.
Application Details and Filing Locations
The application window opened on Sept. 15, 2026, following an order issued by the executive director of the SFA. Farmers must submit their paperwork directly to the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO) operating under the regional agriculture directions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The financial support is targeted at primary producers facing severe market and operational difficulties this year, with regulations stipulating that total de minimis aid given to any single enterprise cannot exceed 50,000 euros over a rolling three-year period.
Livestock Sector Payment Rates
Livestock breeders raising dairy cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and bees are eligible for specific per-animal subsidies under the emergency framework. According to SFA guidelines, the maximum rates per animal or beehive are structured across various categories:
- Dairy cows in breeding programs (MDC-BP): up to 70 euros
- Buffaloes: up to 70 euros
- Dairy cows (MDC): up to 60 euros
- Cows from endangered breeds (C-EB): up to 60 euros
- Mountain cattle (C-Mtn): up to 60 euros
- Beef cows in breeding programs (BC-BP): up to 50 euros
- Beef cows (BC): up to 35 euros
- Ewe-mothers and/or doe-mothers in breeding programs (EMDM-BP): up to 11 euros
- Ewe-mothers and/or doe-mothers from endangered breeds (EMDM-EB): up to 11 euros
- Ewe-mothers and/or doe-mothers under Transitional National Aid (TNA 3): up to 8 euros
- Beehives: up to 6 euros
Crop Production Subsidy Rates
Crop producers specializing in specific high-cost or sensitive segments can also claim per-hectare assistance to offset production expenses. The approved rates vary significantly depending on the cultivation environment:
- Greenhouse production (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, and raspberries) in heated greenhouses: up to 4,000 euros per hectare
- Greenhouse production (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, and raspberries) in unheated greenhouses: up to 2,000 euros per hectare
- Potatoes: up to 700 euros per hectare
- Oil-bearing rose: up to 500 euros per hectare
- Cultivated mushrooms: up to 10 euros per square meter
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts): up to 300 euros per hectare
Detailed regulatory documents and operational instructions regarding the 2026 de minimis scheme under Regulation 2024/3118 remain accessible on the official State Fund Agriculture website under the support schemes section.
Common Questions Regarding the 2026 Emergency Aid
Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 de minimis aid?
Active farmers raising eligible livestock species—such as dairy and beef cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and bees—as well as producers growing greenhouse crops, potatoes, mushrooms, oil-bearing roses, and nuts can apply.
Where must farmers submit their application documents?
Applications must be filed in person at the Municipal Agriculture Offices attached to the regional agriculture directions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
What is the absolute financial cap per enterprise?
The cumulative total of de minimis aid granted to any single agricultural enterprise cannot cross the 50,000 euro ceiling across any three-fiscal-year period.
Where can producers find the formal regulatory guidelines?
Complete information and regulatory details are published on the State Fund Agriculture website under the support measures section dedicated to de minimis and Regulation 2024/3118.
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