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Development of vineyard sector in Bulgaria is determined from one side by appropriate natural and climatic conditions and existing vineyard structure, as well as the traditions in selection of varieties and technology in wine producing. The aim of the paper is to analyze and assess the financing in the vineyard sector for the period 2007-2013 under the measure "Restructuring and conversion of vineyards" and on this basis to make generalized conclusions for, implementation of the measure in the previous programming period and to provide guidelines to enhance the potential of the sector through the use of funding in the new programming period. The paper presents the analysis of the possibilities for funding under the measure "Restructuring and conversion of vineyards"; analysis of the fund distribution of the measure for the period 2007-2013;analysis of the disbursed budget; analysis of maximal financial support per ha for different activities, evaluation of financial application and impact of the measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulgaria's membership in the European Union defines the development of clusters as a key element of the National Strategy for increasing the competitiveness. The role of the clusters becomes especially important at this time because SME do not have the capacity to meet EU requirements and to survive without uniting themselves. Moreover the National Strategy for Vine-wine Sector in Bulgaria stipulates the transformation of the sector in a leading one and securing a decent place of Bulgarian wines on international market which may be succeed through cluster introduction in the sector. In the paper is presented an overview of the initiatives for cluster development in the Bulgarian grape-wine sector and are disclosed the structure and role of cluster participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rural development policy in Bulgaria is aimed at achieving sustainable development of the economic sectors, as the rural area is a place for development not only for agricultural activities, but also it offers good prospects for economic development on a regional scale, through adequate business support, job creation and tourism development. Therefore, the interconnection and interdependence between the two economic sectors is especially important to find opportunities for the development of alternative tourism with the formation of unique tourism products and the application of environmentally-friendly agricultural practices in order to achieve higher living standards and economic benefits for local communities. The problem is that the current pandemic conditions of last year and this year impose a number of restrictions to a greater or lesser extent on each of the economic sectors. The aim of our research is related to the study of interconnection and interdependence of key economic sectors -- agriculture and tourism in crisis conditions. The research methods used in the study include: basic scientific research methods, questionnaire survey, summary and synthesis, logical method, tabular and graphical presentation of characteristics and trends. The results of the research can be systematized in several directions: analysis of the connections and interdependence of the sectors through the opportunities for creation of unique tourist products and through diversification of the activities in the rural areas. In conclusion, the pandemic inevitably affects the economic sectors, with greater constraints on the tourism business, where the preferences of potential tourists are focused on domestic alternative tourism. In the construction of unique and specific tourist products in rural areas, the relationship agriculture -- tourism is strongly emphasized in terms of requirements for clean and healthy foods, incl. organic food or the purchase of local food products from the region. The diversification of activities in rural areas through the development of tourism provides an opportunity for the development of entrepreneurial initiatives. The strong connection and interdependence between the economic subjects in the indicated economic branches of key importance is fully manifested in a good combination of the interests of all participants concerned in the process of development of the specific territory/region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, local action groups (LAGs) in Bulgaria have become key organizations supporting the implementation of projects important for rural development. Prerequisites for this are the unique characteristics of the LEADER/CLLD approach, which allow empowerment of the population, capacity building combined with providing access to financial resources, as well as building trust and accumulation of social capital. Since the beginning of the application of the approach in the country, LAGs have been facing some difficulties, but at the same time the opportunities for attracting funds to support a wide range of initiatives at the local level are expanding. In this regard, the aim of this study is based on the analyses of the activities of LAGs in the country, to outline the challenges facing these organizations and to reveal their potential for sustainable development of rural areas. The case study method is applied. The results of the study show a significant potential of LAGs to accelerate the socio-economic processes in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the main parameters of the sustainable development of the urban and rural environment as a basis for ecological development of the Bulgarian Black Sea region. Based on the problems of urbanization in the post-totalitarian transition in Bulgaria, conclusions and findings are made about the nature and the parameters of the implementation of the second pillar "Green Bulgaria" of the Plan for Recovery and Sustainability of the Republic of Bulgaria. The thesis is defended that the future development of Bulgarian Black Sea region should be based on environmental friendliness and sustainability. An attempt has been made to highlight the positive and negative changes in the ecological development of the Bulgarian Black Sea region over the last three decades. The main guidelines for the necessary changes in the regulatory aspect are presented. They should ensure the protection of the air, soil, water and nature of the Bulgarian Black Sea region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional agriculture is a continuation of the meaning of diversification. It is a way of undertaking an agricultural endeavor, combining different practices from different sectors. The idea behind such an approach is to use the typical resources of agricultural holdings to achieve results related to other sectors. Multifunctionality can refer to different functions. It has been adopted in agriculture as a paradigm of sustainable agricultural practices to achieve better rural development. Multifunctional agriculture can be an important factor in the economic development of both farmers and rural areas. The aim of the study is to analyze the economic, social and environmental effects of the application of multifunctional agriculture. The research is based on good practices of different farms in Bulgaria. The results show that multifunctional agriculture stabilizes the economic condition of agricultural holdings and contributes to the development of the rural areas in which they are located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrialization and mechanization of the agriculture in the 20th century led to an increase in productivity and efficiency and development of large-scale farms. The environmental concerns and resource scarcity transform the models of agricultural production. The implementation of new technologies and digitalization led to evolution of precision farming. The aim of the study is to analyse the economic efficiency of precision technologies in soft fruit production and discuss the possibility of their implementation. The survey focuses on case studies analysis and presents the economic benefits of precision technologies. Opportunities for adoption of innovation in Bulgaria are also outlined. The methodological framework is based on the "Case study" approach. The survey shows positive economic effect of precision technologies on agriculture. On the other hand, the analysis indicated that there are significant differences in total costs and especially in the investment costs. This in many cases this is the main reason related to the limited implementation of innovations by farmers. The application of precision technologies is concentrated mainly in extensive production with larger holdings. It is necessary to encourage their application in high value-added sectors and benefit from the EU funds in the field of innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current food systems face major challenges in terms of sustainable development in social, economic and environmental dimensions. These challenges are related to the long-standing industrialization of agricultural production processes, the food industry and the associated longer and more transparent supply chains. Thе article was written in response to the question of the existence of short food supply chains (SFSC) in Bulgaria and their contribution to sustainable rural development. Cases and interviews were conducted with farm owners as representatives of the SFSCs in the country. A description of the case of SFSC in an organic farm in Bulgaria - Sofina farm is presented. Various survey methods have been applied, including primary data collection, case study approaches, interviews with farm managers, as well as desktop research. The conclusions we draw from the study relate to future policies that need to be followed to improve the sustainability of rural areas, which must undoubtedly take into account regional differences between actors in supply chains, different types and organizational forms of SFSCs, as well as the requirements of consumers regarding the delivered food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of social farming has gained wide popularity in Bulgaria over the last decade. A number of authors emphasize the importance of this concept for social inclusion and economic empowerment of vulnerable groups of society. Social farming contributes to increasing the level of social capital of the representatives of these groups, provides employment and allows them to become independent economic units. The aim of the study is to show the potential of social farming for achieving sustainable results in the rural areas of Bulgaria, based on the analysis of a network of organizations implementing an integrated model for small business support among disadvantaged families. The study applies social network analysis and case study methods. The results confirm the importance of the concept in addressing major rural problems. Some challenges for social farming have been outlined. Conclusions and recommendations have been made on policies in the area concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the conditions and factors of developing cultural tourism in Bulgaria. The author proofs the point that the cultural tourism is not only different from the traditional tourist product, but is also specific, due to its role of formation of individual users. Based on a survey from among 115 real users of this type of tourism product, are defined the major factors of cultural tourism in Bulgaria. By using the scientifically based methodology, the factors are ranged. Three main factors are determined: cultural and historical sites, presentation of handicrafts and other local activities, presence of pristine nature. Indicated are the factors which discourage the potential users of cultural tourism. Based on the study and analysis, is concluded that Bulgaria has all the necessary conditions and prerequisites for developing cultural tourism. Formulated are specific conclusions and practical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discussed the state and trends in table grapes production development in Bulgaria during the period 2004-2015. The dynamics in the size of the cultivated area, the level of average yields and production were analyzed. The changes in the specialization and concentration of production were outlined. The trends in consumption, imports and exports of table grapes were presented. The main problems defining the low level of profitability of table grapes production were identified. The opportunities for financial support through the mechanisms of the Common Agricultural Policy 2014-2020 were indicated with a view of the prospects for sustainable development of the sub-sector in the mid-term plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]