"Low temperatures at the beginning of May pose a serious threat to the orchards in the Kyustendil region."

The registered sub-zero temperatures during the night of May 1st (Friday) to May 2nd (Saturday) caused damage to the fruit plantations in the Kyustendil region, reports “The Pulse of Kyustendil”. According to preliminary data, a significant portion of the cherry orchards have been affected, with the lowest recorded values reaching -3.5°C in areas such as Tavalichevo and Konyavo.

According to information from the Institute of Agriculture - Kyustendil, the damages cannot yet be definitively assessed, but the risk of serious losses is high. The expected new cold spells at the beginning of next week further increase the likelihood of compromising the harvest.

“Due to climate anomalies, a large part of the cherry orchards have suffered. It is necessary to wait another day or two to summarize the damages,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimitar Sotirov. According to him, the expected frosts in the coming days could further complicate the situation and prove fatal for the already blooming fruit trees. The cherry is among the most sensitive crops to late spring cold spells.

During the night before Saturday, in the cherry-growing areas such as Tavalichevo and Konyavo, temperatures down to -3.5°C were recorded, while in higher areas like Dragovishchitsa, the situation is currently not critical.

“The situation requires rapid coordination and concrete measures. We will discuss all possibilities for supporting the affected farmers,” stated the Mayor of Kyustendil, Ognyan Atanasov, who is convening a working meeting with producers and institutions on May 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Municipal Council building. Representatives from the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, the State Fund Agriculture, the Institute of Agriculture - Kyustendil, as well as branch organizations and members of parliament will participate.

The main goal is to identify specific steps for subsequent actions and measures in support of the affected farmers.

Submission of Applications for Damages from Frost or Hoarfrost

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food reminds farmers whose plantations have been affected by frost or hoarfrost in the period May 1-4, 2026, that they have the opportunity to request an inspection and assessment of the damages incurred. The necessary documents are accepted at the Municipal Agriculture Offices, according to the location of the properties, within 10 working days (inclusive) from the occurrence of the climatic event.

With a view to the timely conduct of field inspections by expert commissions, it is recommended that they be submitted before the deadline expires.