Overview
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, build new markets, advance the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and enhance global food security.
FAS Sofia, as part of the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, represents the interests of the USDA in Bulgaria. The FAS regional office is based in Warsaw, Poland and covers Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and North Macedonia.
In addition to its Washington, D.C. staff, FAS has a global network of nearly 100 offices covering approximately 180 countries. These offices are staffed by agricultural attachés and locally hired agricultural experts who are the eyes, ears, and voice for U.S. agriculture around the world. FAS staff identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportunities for U.S. agriculture and support U.S. foreign policy around the globe.
FAS Staff
Benjamin Petlock – Regional Agricultural Counselor (based in Warsaw, Poland)
Heidi Broekemeier – Regional Agricultural Attaché (based in Warsaw, Poland)
Mila Boshnakova-Petrova – Agricultural Specialist
Alexander Todorov – Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Contact us:
FAS Sofia
U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria
16 Kozyak Street
1408 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel. +359-2-939-5720; +359-2-939-5774
E-mail: agsofia@usda.gov
Trade Shows:
Each year, FAS endorses trade shows that provide the best international exposure and marketing opportunities for U.S. companies and producers. FAS works with show organizers and other partners to create a “USA Pavilion” to showcase the variety and quality of made-in-America products to potential foreign buyers. FAS also provides participating companies with marketing and promotion services, market intelligence, logistical support, translation, and on-site assistance.
Buying U.S. Products
FAS Sofia helps connect U.S. exporters of food and agricultural products with Bulgarian importers by facilitating business contacts and identifying potential partners. U.S. companies seeking to enter the Bulgarian market and Bulgarian importers looking for U.S. suppliers are encouraged to reach out to FAS Sofia for support.
FAS Sofia provides complete and detailed information about import requirements for U.S. products to the Bulgarian market. The information is regularly updated as per the applicable legislation and can be obtained upon request. FAS Sofia also can provide step-by-step guides to interested U.S. exporters about border procedures, customs rules and fees, food safety and other relevant import procedures and certificates.
Market Research:
FAS Sofia undertakes independent market analysis and research on agricultural commodity markets as well as on markets for specific foods, beverages, and/or high-value processed agricultural products. In addition, FAS Sofia provides regular information about Bulgaria’s retail market, and the country’s hospitality industry. FAS Sofia can also deliver market information and data about specialty markets, such as the one for organic products. Most of these reports can be found on the USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) system.
U.S. Exports to Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers increasingly viable market opportunities for U.S. food and agriculture. In 2024, Bulgaria imported agricultural and related products from the United States valued at nearly $99 million.
FAS Cooperators in Europe
Please contact FAS Sofia for the most recent list of Cooperators in Europe.
Online FDA Food Facility Registration
For additional information and resources, please refer to the FDA’s European Office website.
DelicioUS!
DelicioUS! Bulgaria is a platform that connects U.S. food and agricultural products with buyers and food enthusiasts.
Working closely with suppliers and U.S. trade associations that sell U.S. agricultural products in Europe, DelicioUS! shares the stories behind a wide variety of high-quality American-grown products available in the market. Through this platform, consumers have the opportunity to learn about where and how U.S. food and agricultural products are produced and enjoyed.
