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The concept of sustainable agriculture is widely used to develop international and national policies for the sector. The European Green Deal, which promotes stable food supply, guarantees revenues for farmers and green living environment. Overcoming rural deprivation is usually the central topic of its implementation. The path to sustainable agriculture requires a holistic approach, considering the complexity of social, economic, cultural, technical, and environmental aspects. In this paper we explore the main preconditions to sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Bulgaria based on select indicators, structured in three main groups: economic, social and environmental. We prioritize certain critical challenges, matching them with appropriate interventions with a great potential for impact. [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 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]