LEV INS Expert Yuxel Kasab to trud.bg: Insurance Is an Investment in the Security of the Farm

Yuxel Kasab is Head of the Agricultural Insurance Department at LEV INS AD. He has extensive experience in risk management in the agricultural sector. He holds a degree in agronomy from the Agricultural University in Plovdiv and has served as a research associate at the Agricultural Academy in Sofia. Kasab continued his career abroad at the University of Western Ontario (Canada), where he worked as a research assistant in the laboratory of Professor Lynn Weaver, while also serving as a veterinary assistant at a sports horse clinic in Ilderton, Ontario. He has worked in agricultural insurance for over 15 years, both as an expert and department head. He joined the LEV INS team in 2019, focusing on developing tailored insurance solutions for farmers.

In this interview, our expert explains the importance of insurance as an investment in the resilience of agricultural operations, emphasizing that it enables producers to continue their work even after severe losses. He highlights that insurance is especially vital for small family farms and agricultural holdings, which may face bankruptcy if left unprotected after a major risk event.

Kasab stresses that LEV INS offers comprehensive insurance solutions that provide protection against natural disasters, diseases, and accidents. He also notes that the company works closely with farmers, offering personalized consultations and products tailored to their specific needs, along with expert advice to help them minimize risk.

Mr. Kasab, why are agricultural and livestock insurance policies so important for farmers?

Bulgarian agriculture and livestock farming are the backbone of the national economy. They are not only a source of food but also a symbol of tradition, hard work, and continuous development. Unfortunately, these sectors are exposed to numerous risks—natural disasters, climate change, infectious diseases, and even human error. Insurance is not merely a precaution; it is an investment in the sustainability of the farm and a guarantee that producers can continue operating even after suffering significant losses. The strongest recommendation in insurance comes from satisfied clients, and I am proud to say that we have no dissatisfied customers.

What are the most common threats to crops?

Bulgarian agriculture is highly dependent on weather conditions, which, as we all see, have changed significantly in recent years. For example, this year Bulgaria has virtually no fruit harvest. Perhaps there will be apples, but the entire crop of apricots, peaches, and cherries has been lost. We commissioned a report from the National Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology on frost patterns across different regions of Bulgaria, and we are preparing solutions for the next season, taking into account the specific frost dates for each area. Nature’s unpredictability will continue and intensify—UN reports confirm this. Hail, storms, heavy rains, frost, and fires are among the most common natural disasters threatening crops. Additionally, LEV INS is the only insurer offering protection against wild animal attacks and electrical surges—risks that can cause significant losses and are difficult to recover from without adequate coverage.

You mentioned that LEV INS is the only insurer offering coverage for wild animal attacks and electrical surges. What other specific threats do livestock farmers face, and how do you advise them to manage these challenges?

Beyond climate-related risks, livestock farmers face dangers such as fire, wild animal attacks, electrical surges, and infectious diseases. The loss of animals can have a severe financial and operational impact on a farm—and for small farms, it can mean bankruptcy. We insure many small livestock farms in the Pazardzhik region and the Rhodopes, and we closely monitor the care provided by insured farmers. We pay particular attention to the breeding and feeding of insured animals to ensure that every claim is valid and payable.

Are agricultural insurance policies only suitable for large farms?

No, agricultural insurance is suitable for all farmers, regardless of the size of their production. Everyone deserves protection, and we design solutions based on the specific needs of each individual farmer.

How does LEV INS support farmers and livestock breeders?

We understand and respect the work of farmers and livestock breeders. We know that any loss—whether of crops or animals—can be a serious setback for a farm. It can set back development by years and, in the case of family farms, affect the entire household. That’s why we offer insurance solutions that protect against natural disasters, diseases, and accidents. We work closely with farmers, offering personalized consultations and tailored products. We participate in agricultural fairs, where we meet with farmers on-site and assess their needs directly. We also take part in working groups alongside representatives from the entire agricultural sector. I personally serve on the Monitoring Committee for the Strategic Plan for Agricultural Development under the Union for Economic Initiative. We strive to support producers and improve the sector’s environment.

Let’s not forget the state interventions that support agricultural holdings—practically, the government reimburses 70% of the insurance premium. Additionally, when needed, we provide certified experts in crop and livestock farming to assist clients facing issues with their gardens or animals.

What exactly does agricultural and livestock insurance cover?

For crop farmers, policies cover a wide range of risks, including natural disasters such as hail, storms, heavy rain, fire, and flooding. They also protect against frost, icing, and damage caused by wild animals—such as deer and wild boars—that can devastate entire plots.

For livestock farmers, LEV INS policies cover large and small ruminants, sport horses, working dogs, poultry, beehives, and even more exotic animals like ostriches. Our goal is to respond to market demand. In the event of death caused by fire, storm, infectious disease, or wild animal attack, farmers receive compensation that allows them to recover without severe financial hardship. We adhere to real market valuations when assessing animals. An interesting fact: dogs insured by us have participated in security operations at the Paris Olympic Games and in international narcotics detection competitions.

What sets LEV INS apart from other insurers?

Our greatest strength is our personalized approach, focused on farmers and livestock breeders. We respect their work and the efforts of their families. We understand the dedication they invest in their farms and aim to be a reliable partner. In addition to insurance coverage, we provide expert analysis and advice to help farmers minimize risk and make informed decisions. We monitor the programs of the State Fund for Agriculture to offer guidance on accessing support schemes. As a responsible insurer, we assess each client’s needs before offering coverage, and we propose solutions tailored to their specific insurance requirements.

What advice would you give to farmers and livestock breeders?

No one can predict natural disasters or disease outbreaks, but everyone can prepare for them. Insurance is not an expense—it is an investment in the future of the farm. LEV INS is here to help farmers and breeders protect their work and continue building a sustainable and successful business.

The funds allocated to insurance are never wasted, even if a year passes without a claim. Even a single incident can justify the entire investment made up to that point.