Livestock Breeders Satisfied, Production to Go Local
Published: August 10, 2024, 12:05 AM
Livestock breeders express satisfaction, anticipating increased production of dairy products using exclusively Bulgarian ingredients.
The Ministry of Agriculture has published changes to the regulation on food safety and quality in educational institutions, ensuring that yogurt and cheese provided to kindergartens, schools, and shops will be produced using only Bulgarian products.
Previously, dairy products provided to children had to adhere to the Bulgarian State Standard (BDS). However, in July of last year, the European Commission recognized “Bulgarian yogurt” and “Bulgarian white brine cheese” as products with a protected designation of origin. This protection eliminates VAT and guarantees the authenticity of the products.
To bear the protected designation, cheese and milk must be produced exclusively in Bulgaria, using raw Bulgarian milk from animals fed primarily on locally-sourced feed (80%). These stricter requirements are not currently reflected in the BDS, which often includes foreign raw materials in yogurt and cheese.
The Ministry emphasizes that this change will support and stimulate domestic dairy production, increase the added value for Bulgarian producers, and ensure the guaranteed origin and quality of offered dairy products in educational institutions.
The announcement has been met with positive feedback from industry leaders. Dimitar Zorov, chairman of the Association of Milk Processors, believes this is a crucial step for both consumers and livestock breeders. He emphasizes the importance of using only raw milk from Bulgarian farms, ensuring the highest quality and origin.
According to the Ministry, there are currently 52 businesses with issued certificates for yogurt production under the BDS, some of which actively utilize the standard. Additionally, 20 businesses have already begun production of yogurt with protected designation of origin, with others in the process.
Similarly, there are 46 companies producing cheese under the BDS, and 19 have begun production of cheese with protected designation of origin. Many of these producers have already been registered.