Only Bulgarian lamb will be sold for Easter in all major retail chains, the chairperson of the Modern Retail Association Yordan Mateev told. He noted that the COVID-19 crisis has hit all sectors of Bulgaria’s economy, including agriculture, and in order to meet its needs, the line ministry has obliged the large chains to allocate 50 percent of their area for Bulgarian goods. The decision triggered a dispute between traders and the state.
According to Mitev, the native agriculture is currently facing very serious problems and the responsibility for them should not be transferred to the retail chains. He believes that such issues should be resolved through state policies.
„Retail chains are more like partners. We can only help. 70% of the shelves in the big retail chains are filled with Bulgarian products. The crisis could have a positive effect on the increase of the share of Bulgarian producers. It is time for solidarity and support for Bulgarian production. “
Mitev called on consumers on behalf of the big chains to buy Bulgarian products and to express solidarity.
Translation: Gloria Yordanova
