Farmers in Dobrich Region Brace for Harvest Season Amidst Uncertainty
The Dobrich region’s farmers are gearing up for the harvest season, with this year’s rents, or sharits in Bulgarian, already calculated based on crop yields and product sales. The region’s approximately 3 million decares (74,132 acres) of cultivable land have seen an array of crops planted, including wheat, corn, and sunflowers.
Wheat covers about 1.1 million decares, while corn and sunflowers typically occupy around 800,000 decares each. Rents this year range between 60, 80, and 100 BGN (around 30-50 USD) per decare, with some farmers receiving an advance payment before the New Year, followed by additional payments depending on product sales, according to Kiril Komitov, chair of the Dobrudja Cooperative Union.
Similarly, Radostina Jekova, chair of the Dobrudjan Grain Producers’ Union, stated that rents would average between 70 and 80 BGN per decare based on this year’s yields. She emphasized the need for budget amendments in 2025 to secure funds from the EU’s crisis reserve, 4-year irrigation program, and Ukrainian aid. Jekova also lamented the lack of legislative changes to address the-sector’s concerns, including the absence of budget allocations for agriculture in the 2024 budget.
- "…Split within the sector, with politicians pitting different branches against each other, now they’re trying to divide us into guilds when it comes to funding." – Radostina Jekova*
Farmers’ protests remain on the table until their demands are addressed in the 2025 budget. Jekova stressed the necessity of legislative changes for long-term solutions, such as restoring irrigation systems, preventing water loss to neighboring countries, and ensuring investment security.
Key crops in the Dobrich region:
- Wheat: 1.1 million decares
- Corn & Sunflowers: Around 800,000 decares each
Rents per decare:
- Kiril Komitov (Dobrudja Cooperative Union): 60-100 BGN
- Radostina Jekova (Dobrudjan Grain Producers’ Union): 70-80 BGN
