SFA extends the lending period for beekeeping projects until 2026

The State Fund Agriculture (SFA) has announced an extension of the deadline for accepting loan applications intended for the implementation of approved projects in the 'Beekeeping' sector. The new deadline is July 27, 2026, and the decision comes in response to the high interest from Bulgarian beekeepers.

Lending is aimed at projects approved within the Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Rural Development for the period 2023–2027. Applications are submitted entirely in electronic form through the Fund's Electronic Services System (ESS).

Which activities can be financed?

The available credit lines cover a wide range of needs in the industry, including:

• Treatment of bee colonies against diseases (especially against Varroa destructor);
• Renewal or increasing the number of beehives;
• Purchasing new equipment for mobile beekeeping needs;
• Investments in tangible and intangible assets;
• Activities for the preservation and restoration of bee colonies.

Conditions and repayment mechanism

The amount of the loan granted can reach up to 95% of the amount of the approved non-repayable financial assistance. Regarding interest rates, for July 2026, the annual rate is fixed at 4.71%, determined based on the reference interest rate at the time of signing the contract.

The repayment mechanism is simplified – the principal and accrued interest are paid in a single installment through a deduction from the approved financial assistance to be paid out. To facilitate candidates, the SFA offers a simplified procedure for guaranteeing the loan, requiring only the issuance of an order record in favor of the fund.

Additional tools for beekeepers are available on the official SFA website, including a loan calculator and a manual for working with the ESS system.