Bulgaria's Tobacco Growers Set for Protest

Bulgarian tobacco growers are to stage a protest on Friday demanding for a new distribution of the BGN 100 M state subsidies, which vary for different sorts of tobacco.

Growers have said that "double standards" were being applied by the government in allocating the grants, which are a little over BGN 2 per kg for some types and BGN 3 per kg for other types of tobacco.

In an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, Ivan Sabahlakov, who is among the growers, explained that over 1800 people cultivating tobacco had been affected by the decision favouring a certain groups within the branch.

Friday's action will comprise mainly those producing more than 2 tons of tobacco, which earlier this week said they considered themselves most affected by cabinet policies.

A declaration outlining protesters' demands is to be sent to Bulgarian and European authorities.

Earlier this year, growers repeatedly flocked to streets across Bulgaria and blockaded roads to demonstrate against the low prices at which their production was being purchased.