Bulgarian dairy industry faced significant challenges in 2021 - GAIN
The country saw a decline in the number of dairy farms and stocksThe Bulgarian dairy industry faced significant challenges in the marketing year 2021 with the national dairy herd, cow milk production and collection, as well as processing contracting, according to a recent USDA GAIN report.
A dry and hot summer, combined with increasing feed grain prices, inflation pressure (especially of energy supply), and a labour deficit led to a decline in the number of dairy farms and stocks.
Consolidation and restructuring of the industry continued through the dominating role of larger, more efficient dairy operations. The process was further accelerated in 2022 due to another hot and dry summer season, skyrocketing feed prices, inflation reaching almost 20%, and deteriorating consumer demand due to higher prices of dairy products.