The Bulgarian oil-bearing rose is under threat: Scientists insist on strict control over the export of genetic material

The Bulgarian essential oil crop sector faces a serious risk of losing unique genetic capital. Scientists from the Institute of Rose and Essential Oil Crops in Kazanlak are calling for the immediate introduction of stricter control mechanisms for the export of planting material and breeding achievements.

During a working meeting with the Governor of Stara Zagora, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaloyan Damyanov, experts emphasized that the growing international interest in the Bulgarian oil-bearing rose poses a danger. In the absence of adequate regulation, valuable varieties could be exported without the necessary restrictions, undermining the national economic interest.

In addition to protecting the genetic fund, scientists pointed out other critical issues slowing down the sector's development:

• Insufficient funding: Despite high scientific potential, the Institute operates with outdated equipment, which makes competing with leading global centers difficult.
• Lack of a national reference laboratory: Currently, the certification and quality control of rose oil are scattered among various laboratories, creating a need for a centralized standard.
• Weak science-business connection: There is a need for more active partnership, where scientific developments find direct practical application in production.

The Governor promised to initiate a discussion with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to discuss regulatory changes. As a solution, he suggested using public-private partnership models, where the state incentivizes businesses that invest in scientific research.

The Institute in Kazanlak continues to demonstrate high achievements, such as the selection of the lavender variety "Teres" and successful attempts to grow crops at altitudes of over 1500 meters in the Rhodopes. These successes, however, require stable institutional protection to keep the Bulgarian sector competitive on the world stage.