The Association of Rose Growers in Bulgaria is demanding that the state impose a moratorium on the creation of new Damask rose plantations.

Damask rose is grown on 5,500 hectares of land in Bulgaria and there are 48 registered processing plants. At the same time the market has been shrinking in recent years and rose oil buying-in prices have been going down. That is why the branch is demanding that the restriction be in place over the next 5 years.

On its part the Ministry of Agriculture is developing a strategy for the development of rose production, which it has put up for discussion, which envisages restricting new rose plantations until the consequences of the Covid-crisis are quelled. Rose growers say that that imposing a moratorium in the midst of the continuing crisis will assist the state as there will be a smaller number of rose growers needing assistance.