Black Goldbug Destroys Fruit Orchards in Bulgaria: Farmers Demand Government Support
In Bulgaria, there is a catastrophic spread of the pest known as the black goldbug (Capnodis tenebrionis), which is massively destroying fruit orchards in various regions of the country. The farms in the Haskovo region have been hit hardest by the pest invasion, with reports from the Bulgarian Chamber of Fruits and Vegetables (BCFV) indicating that some growers have already been forced to declare bankruptcy due to the complete loss of their crops. Recovery of the trees after being affected by this pest has proven impossible.
This is reported by AgroReview
Farmers Left Without Support
The leadership of the BCFV emphasizes that the situation is escalating into a real crisis, which is rapidly worsening, and farmers face the threat of losing their sources of income. Despite numerous meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Bulgaria, as well as the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, no concrete actions have been taken by the government so far. The plan for pest control, mechanisms for its eradication, and compensation for affected farmers are still under discussion.
Demands to the Authorities: Action Plan and Compensation
The BCFV demands urgent measures from the government to stop the spread of the black goldbug, which has already jeopardized the future of Bulgarian fruit growing. The organization insists on the development of a clear state plan that includes financial and organizational support for affected farmers, compensation for lost harvests, and the involvement of scientific institutions to devise effective solutions for combating the pest.
“The black goldbug is not just harmful – it is destroying the future. If the government does not act immediately, Bulgarian fruit growing will suffer losses from which it will not be able to recover for years,” the BCFV states.
The Chamber of Fruits and Vegetables has also expressed its readiness to actively participate in the formation of crisis teams and expert working groups to develop and implement effective measures to save the industry.