For a second year in a row, approved candidates under Bulgaria’s National Beekeeping Programme (NBP) for the period 2011-2013 will be able to tap loans from State Fund Agriculture (SFA). Measure B, sector 2 Expenses for Products to Control Varroatosis has been added to the range of activities eligible for funding.

In the first round of financing, SFA gave out 141 loans amounting to BGN 932 889 in total. The second round is expected to see more candidates coming on board and heftier funding.

The loans, which will be extended directly by SFA, bear an annual interest rate of 6.0%. Eligible candidates need to have approved projects and signed contracts for grants under measures B and D of NBP. The loans will cover up to 75% of the approved project expenses under the two measures, with candidates contributing the balance of 25%.