ABSTRACTS
29 October 2024
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9:00 – 9:45 Registration and coffee
9:45 – 10:00 Opening remarks
Representative of the Ministry of agriculture and Food
President of Agricultural Academy – Prof. Dr. Violeta Bozhanova
Director of Institute of agricultural economics – Prof. Dr. Bozhidar Ivanov
10:00 – 11:00 Opening keynote speakers
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Violeta Bozhanova
INSIGHTS FOR BULGARIAN AGRICULTURAL EVOLVEMENT – Academic Atanas Atanasov
EVOLUTION AND TRENDS IN FARM STRUCTURE AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT – Bozhidar Ivanov
GREEN DEAL OF EU – Stoyan Chukanov (European Economic and Social Committee)
11:00 – 12:30 Agriculture and rural sustainability in the light of climate change
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Hrabrin Bachev
MULTI-OBJECTIVE TRADE-OFFS AND DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR RURAL CLIMATE ADAPTABILITY – Shengquan Che & Yifeng Qin – Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
Abstract: As global climate change intensifies, rural areas are confronted with a multitude of challenges, including extreme weather events, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity. Rural communities, as the fundamental units of rural regions, play a critical role in ensuring agricultural production, improving the quality of life for residents, and protecting the ecological environment. Therefore, the core issue in the design of rural climate adaptability is how to comprehensively consider the risks brought by climate change in rural planning and design, to achieve synergistic optimization of various goals such as agricultural production, resident life, ecological environment, and socio-economic development. This study employs a coupled approach using climate models (e.g., WRF) and land-use models (e.g., FLUS) to simulate the impact of climate change on rural areas, assessing agricultural production potential and water resource conditions under different climate scenarios. In conjunction with the practical conditions of rural communities, a multi-objective optimization model is applied, considering various factors such as agricultural production, resident life, ecological protection, and infrastructure construction, to seek the optimal solution set under different objectives and formulate strategies for rural community planning and design that adapt to climate change. The study constructs an assessment index system for rural climate adaptability, covering key areas such as agricultural production, water resource management, resident quality of life, ecological environment protection, and infrastructure construction. In terms of multi-objective trade-offs, a series of design strategies are proposed, such as optimizing land use structure to enhance agricultural adaptability, improving water resource management to cope with drought and flood, enhancing housing design to improve thermal comfort, protecting and restoring ecosystems to increase biodiversity, and strengthening infrastructure construction to enhance disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. These strategies aim to achieve sustainable development of rural communities by comprehensively considering the impacts of climate change. The design of multi-objective trade-offs for rural climate adaptability requires a thorough consideration of the impacts of climate change on agricultural production, resident life,
ecological environment, and socio-economic development. Comprehensive analysis and planning from various aspects, including land use, water resource management, housing design, ecological protection, and infrastructure construction, are necessary to form a set of strategies and practical index systems for rural community planning and design that adapt to climate change.
ASSESSMENT OF 20 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU AND CHALLENGES FOR THE YEARS TO COME: THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY IN POLAND – Paweł Chmieliński, Barbara Wieliczko, Zbigniew Floriańczyk
SUSTAINABLE AND GREEN INVESTMENTS AS A DRIVER RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRANSFORMATION – Svetlana Aleksandrova-Zlatanska – University of national and world economy (UNWE), Sofia
Abstract: This research paper addresses rural economic and social development under the green investing impact. Climate change, depopulation and wide the rural-urban income gap are challenges for rural communities in the Bulgaria. Climate change affects the income of rural residents by agricultural production performance. The raising question is whether sustainable finance can drive rural development and decrease the economic and social divergence between urban and rural areas. The study analyzes the role and advantages of sustainable and green investments for economic, environmental transformation in rural areas. Transforming the agriculture sector and resilience will not be possible without significantly increasing climate-smart investments in rural areas. The author outlines the necessity to green investment policy on the national level can be an incentive approach to economic transformation of the rural areas.
ASSESSING SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN ROMANIAN AGRICULTURE USING A FAO RESEARCH TOOL: GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY INDEX – Leonte Marie Jacqeline Cosette, Senior Researcher Romanian Academy, Institute of Agricultural Economics Bucharest
Abstract: In the current geopolitical context, food security has become once again a very important target. The paper presents the Romanian current situation, analysed on the basis of GFSI (Global Food Security Index) elaborated by Economist Intelligence Unit/ Economist Impact (EIU). The guarantee of an objective analysis is to examin the Romanian food security situation based on the interpretation of indicators which are recognised at the international level. Based on an analysis matrix for the agricultural and environmental politicies can be made proposals for resilience of the agricultural sector, sustainability of the farms and increasing economic and living standards for population living in rural areas.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 13:45 Media release
13:45 – 16:15 Panel „Agricultural production and market outlook“
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Bozhidar Ivanov
GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL MARKET PROJECTIONS – Julian Binfield – University of Missouri, FAPRI
COMPETITIVENESS AND PROJECTIONS OF BULGARIAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION – Vassil Stoychev and Daniela Dimitrova – Institute of Agricultural Economics and Institute of Viticulture
ROMANIAN POSITION IN THE REGIONAL RICE MARKET – Ion Certan, Bucharest University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania, Camelia Gavrilescu, Dan-Marius Voicilaș, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania – Keynote
Abstract: Rice is the second grain produced and consumed in the world, after maize, according to UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). While maize is used mostly as animal feed, rice is a primary staple for more than half of the global population, followed closely by wheat. Consequently, maize, rice and wheat can be seen as pillars of global food security. Food production is the basis of human existence all around the world. Each country is aiming at ensuring its food security, through possible self-sufficiency for main staples. For this particular reason, the rice international trade is of paramount importance. The price of imported rice has recently increased considerably due to shipment costs which multiplied at least 6 times. The European Union is a net importer of rice. Romania is among the few EU rice producers, and despite being self-sufficient in the late ’80-s, it is currently a net importer as well. The present paper is examining the structure of rice production and trade on a global, regional and national level. It is analyzing the current situation of the European and Romanian production, the evolutions of rice consumption and trade in the last decades. There is a strong need for the development of new varieties, resistant to extreme weather events generated by the climate changes. In the end, the authors share a set of conclusions and recommendations for better development perspectives of the regional rice market.
THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR IN POLAND – PAST, PRESENT AND CHALLENGES – Marek Wigier, Agnieszka Wrzochalska, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics – National. Research Institute (IAFE-NRI), Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract: Poland’s accession to the EU meant a change in the economic and institutional conditions for the functioning of the economy, including agriculture and the food industry. The period of Poland’s membership in the EU was a period of stable development of the food economy. Poland received financial support from the EU structural funds and the CAP budget, which influenced: improving the competitiveness and innovation of economic entities, developing entrepreneurship and increasing income, also in agriculture, free access to a single market of over 500 million consumers. Growing trade has been noted, including dynamic growth in agri-food exports, improved food quality and safety, and multifunctional and sustainable development of rural areas and agriculture. A threat to economic development is the increasingly difficult geopolitical situation on world markets, which not only determines changes taking place in the international arena, but also influences structural changes and the behavior of participants in domestic markets (prices, supply chains, etc.).The observed decline in the importance of the strategy of competing with lower prices on foreign markets means that efforts need to be made to increase the importance of the strategy of competing with non-price methods, including quality, innovation (increased efficiency and productivity).The CAP is an opportunity for further transformation and development of Polish agriculture, based on innovation and digitalization.
ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL EVOLUTION OF TOURISM IN ROMANIA: NAVIGATING POST- COVID CHALLENGES – Carina Dobre, Elena Toma, Adina Iorga, Paula Stoicea, Ion Certan and Irina Chiurciu – Bucharest University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania
Abstract: This paper aims to assess the performance of Romania’s tourism industry, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic development directions. The study aims to provide an overview of the structural changes in the tourist market and tourist behavior, as well as how to adapt the sector to the conditions of the pre-and post-pandemic periods. Among the main results of the study, we note the following: domestic tourism has developed due to Romanians’ growing preference for local destinations amid the uncertainties associated with international travel; an increased preference for online booking platforms; and a greater demand for personalized travel, with tourists prioritizing safety and health measures. The results highlight the strength of the Romanian tourism sector, which, despite challenges, has a substantial potential for growth, particularly through innovative digital technologies and sustainable practices. Furthermore, the study suggests that ongoing adaptation to evolving consumer preferences and the development of local tourism infrastructure will be essential for sustaining this growth.
A STUDY OF CHANGES IN RENT PAYMENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON NET INCOME ON FIELDCROPS FARMS IN BULGARIA – Damyan Kirechev, University of economics – Varna
Abstract: This study analyzes how changes in rent costs affect net income formation on farms and assesses the impact of rented land on output. The object of the study is agricultural holdings specialized in arable crop production. Based on FADN data, an assessment is made for the period after 2007. The methodological toolkit includes an assessment of dynamics and dependencies, using statistical methods of comparison and correlation analysis. [Results] The relationships between rent expenditure and net income, rent expenditure and output and the impact of direct payments on changes in rent expenditure are examined. The results show significant disparities in terms of both farm size and territorial coverage. There is a need for farmers to implement better control over rent on their farms and to build mechanisms for more effective management of rent policy on farms
EDUCATION – A KEY COMPONENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. CASE STUDY: BUFTEA AREA – Andreea Roxana Firățoiu, Bucharest University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania, Liviu Mărcuță, Elena Soare, Irina Adriana Chiurciu, Bucharest University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania
Abstract: Education contributes to the formation of human capital necessary for sustainable development, creates economic opportunities, improves the quality of life and fights poverty. Investments in educational infrastructure, vocational training and access to technology are essential to reduce disparities between rural and urban areas. Ilfov County, located near Bucharest, has several peculiarities in the field of education that reflect both the advantages of proximity to the capital and the challenges associated with rapid development and population migration. These challenges, the gap between the urban and rural environment, as well as the need to adapt the educational system to the requirements of a modern economy remain priorities in the educational development of the county. The present work aims to highlight the state of the education system in Ilfov county and the city of Buftea, presenting the evolution of the number of educational institutions by study category and the school population by education level in the period 2015-2022. Data from the website of the National Institute of Statistics, as well as information provided by Buftea City Hall, were used.
16:15– 16:45 Coffee break
16:45 – 17:00 Wrap up
19:00 Official diner
30 October 2024
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9:00 – 9:30 Registration
9:30 – 12:00 Panel „Agricultural and Rural Development Governance Insight“
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Ivan Boevsky
ECONOMIC EXPERIMENTS IN DESIGNING NEW AGRICULTURAL MEASURES – Dragi Dimitrievski, Marina Nacka, Riste Elenov, Ivana Janeska Stamenkovska
Abstract: Economic experiments offer a substantial methodological advantage in the evaluation and design of evidence-based policies. This is particularly relevant for countries like North Macedonia, where agricultural policy frameworks have to be adapted to local conditions while also aligning with broader EU standards. The flexibility provided by economic experiments is crucial as they allow policymakers to assess new policy proposals and alternative designs before full-scale implementation (Duflo et al., 2007). This ex-ante evaluation capability is particularly important for North Macedonia as it enables the testing of potential CAP-like measures in a controlled environment, thereby minimizing the risks of adverse outcomes or unintended consequences when these policies are implemented (Harrison and List, 2004).Understanding farmer behaviour is essential for the success of new measures, and economic experiments provide valuable insights into how farmers might respond to different incentives and regulatory frameworks. This is especially important in North Macedonia, where farming practices and market structures may differ significantly from those in other countries, especially in the EU. By offering insights into local farmer behaviour, these experiments help refine policy designs, ensuring they are both effective and tailored to the country’s unique agricultural context (Drichoutis and Nayga, 2020).From a cost-efficiency standpoint, economic experiments offer a quicker and more affordable alternative to traditional trial-and-error methods. This is especially beneficial for North Macedonia, where resources are limited. By employing economic experiments, policymakers can develop more efficient policies that maximize the effectiveness of the funds, making the best use of the resources available (Harrison and List, 2004).Economic experiments have been used in the evaluation and design of policy measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The varied success of CAP measures across different regions of the EU highlights the importance of context-specific policy design (Grethe, 2017). For example, Chatzimichael et al. (2014) used a choice experiment approach to evaluate agricultural landscape preferences under the CAP, demonstrating how economic experiments can capture preferences and predict behaviour, thereby informing CAP policy design.The paper presents the results of the application of an economic experiment in testing a new measure of the agricultural policy to support young farmers from the program for rural development. The application of the economic experiment was performed on a group of students in the role of young farmers. In essence, piloting was carried out for the adoption of the support measure from three alternatives: business plan support with 60% of the investment, allocation of 5 ha of state agricultural land without paying rent for a period of 15 years, and allocation of a house and 2 ha of state land in a rural area. A condition for applying the measure is that the young farmer must remain in agricultural production for at least 15 years.Economic experiments were implemented in the Laboratory of Behavioural and Experimental Economics Sciences (LaBEES), which was established in 2023 at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food – Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. This facility provides a dedicated environment for the application of experimental methodologies, enabling detailed and context-specific research into agricultural policy measures. The establishment of LaBEES underscores the commitment to evidence-based policymaking and provides the necessary infrastructure to support innovative approaches in agricultural economics.
ABOUT CONTENT, COMPOSITION AND QUALITY OF AGRARIAN GOVERNANCE – THE CASE OF BULGARIA – Hrabrin Bachev, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Sofia, Bulgaria and Bozhidar Ivanov, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Sofia, Bulgaria
Abstract: This presentation tries to answer several important academic and practical (business and policies forwarded) questions: how to define governance, what are the components of the system of agrarian governance, and how to measure how good agrarian governance is. For proper understanding and assessing the agrarian governance a holistic GAMPOS (Good, Agents, Means, Processes, Order, Sustainability) framework is suggested including: defining the components of the agrarian governance system; formulating the principles of good agrarian governance; specifying the assessment criteria for each principle of agrarian governance; identifying the best indicators for measuring the quality of agrarian governance for each criterion; selecting the reference values for assessing the quality of agrarian governance for each indicator; deriving the agrarian governance quality score; determining the quality of agrarian governance.Agrarian governance is studied as a complex system that includes five principal components: (1) agrarian and related agents involved in the governance decision-making; (2) means (rules, forms, and mechanisms) that govern the behavior, activities, and relationships of agrarii-food agents; (3) processes and activities related to making managerial decisions in agrarian sector; (4) a specific social order resulting from the governing process; and (5) outcomes of the functioning of the system in terms of maintaining sustainability and realization of sustainable development goals.The suggested GAMPOS framework was adapted to the specific (socio-economic, institutional, natural, etc.) conditions of Bulgarian agrarian system. A multidimensional hierarchical system with good governance 11 Principles, 21 Criteria, 36 Indicators and Reference Values is used.
A first in kind holistic assessment, based on statistical and expert data, found that the overall quality of agrarian governance in Bulgaria is at a moderate EU level. There is a significant differentiation in the quality of individual elements of the governance system. In terms of sustainability, the agrarian governance in the country is at a good (European) level, while for the process, means, and order components is at a satisfactory level. The quality of agrarian governance is the highest in terms of equity and solidarity, and the good working public sector. In terms of functioning of public sector, agrarian governance is at medium level while for all other principles it is at satisfactory levels. The poorest performance of agrarian governance in the country is for the stakeholder’s involvement, and good working private sector.
GOVERNANCE OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSACTIONS THROUGH TIME – Dimitar Terziev, University of National and World Economy
Abstract: Knowledge transfer is a driving force for any business. Also, in agriculture. But there is one peculiarity. Knowledge is individualized, i.e. related to individual farm. This difference is caused mainly (but not only) by two reasons – a) specific natural conditions (even neighboring fields are not completely similar) and b) personal farmer’s preferences (right to choose a licensed organic production, or not, for example). The study of the economy of Bulgarian agriculture, conducted in the last two years, allowed to discover the modes for knowledge supply used by different farmers. Moreover, this study repeated (in a more extended and advanced form) a similar one from 25 years ago, carried out by two members of the current program team. The goal of this article is to discover, analyze and explain changes in the choice of modes for knowledge supply during the past period. The research was conducted in the form of a survey and covered 345 modern Bulgarian farmers. The collected data were processed through: a) comparative quantitative analysis to detect changes over the past 25 years; b) discrete structural analysis to explain the choice of transactional mode; and c) institutional analysis to discover the causes of changes that have occurred.
PUBLIC REGISTERS IN AGRICULTURE – HYBRID CONTRACTS IMPROVING GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE – Minko Georgiev, Agrarian University, Plovdiv
Abstract: New Institutional Economics (NIE) develops the idea of improving the environment through incentives for using a hybrid contract organization. In Bulgarian agriculture, the use of digital public registers is increasingly observed. This creates conditions for lower asymmetry of information flows and easier access to property rights for some actors. A better governance structure is achieved by combining electronic and physical actions. This, in turn, leads to low specificity and uncertainty of assets and high coherence of transactions – i.e., conditions for the existence of contract alternatives with low transaction costs (TC). At the same time, due to the redirection of some incentives to control property rights by certain contract actors, as well as the absorption of part of the cash flows, including through the transfer of costs to other actors in the process, the hybrid contract does not achieve its goal of low overall costs. The aim of this article is to compare the alternatives, respectively to confirm or reject the thesis that hybrid technological contracts lead to lower overall costs. The methods used are comparative-institutional analysis and discrete structural analysis. The article proposes forms for improving the environment.
ECO-SCHEMES IN EU AGRICULTURE UNDER THE CAP 2023-2027. EXAMPLE OF POLAND. – Marek Zieliński, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics – National. Research Institute (IAFE-NRI), Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract: In the European Union (EU), in recent years, the expectations and requirements of societies have been increasing related to the need for a reliable assessment of the activities undertaken by farms in relation to the protection of the natural environment. In EU agriculture, including Polish agriculture, one of the main challenge for farms is not only to meet the current requirements of environmental protection in the conditions of the need to increase the intensification of production, but also to limit the phenomenon of local land abandonment with difficult management conditions. It was pointed out that an important opportunity to support agriculture may be its participation in institutional environmental measures under the EU CAP. Institutional environmental measures play a fundamental role under the CAP 2023-2027. In the first place, there are eco-schemes. They are mandatory for Member States, but their implementation by farmers is voluntary. The question arises about the type, number and scale of practices carried out under eco-schemes by Polish farms in the first year of the CAP 2023-2027.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY: ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND CASE STUDY IN SLOVAKIA – Vizzarri Francesco, Ondruska Lubomir, National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC) Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra
Abstract: The circular economy represents a promising strategy for saving relevant resources and reducing agricultural activities’ negative environmental impacts while improving economic performance. Since the European Commission presented its Circular Economy Strategy, much has been written both on the topic of circular economy alone and on the relationship with bio-economy. Beside the prevalent function of livestock practice in providing protein for human consumption, it should help the revitalization of rural areas, the increase in employment, the preservation of biodiversity and landscapes, and the protection of cultural heritage. Since livestock production contributes to environmental impact, there are undoubtedly many sustainable ways to mitigate its negative effects. Currently, the public support for the rural development programme in Slovakia is mainly focused on rural investments and animal welfare, to improve the competitiveness of primary producers. The National Agricultural and Food Centre (Slovakia) is researching, promoting and supporting a sustainable animal farming system based on “circular economy” approach. Expected results from NPPC’s activities are to enhance the capacity building of public institutions, involving and promoting a public engagement, inviting the regional and local institution to promote the innovation and sustainability of animal farming and raise the awareness and the strategic importance of animal primary production in Slovakia.
12:00 – 12:30 Poster session
Moderator: Dr. Desislava Toteva
ENHANCING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN THE AGRI-BUSINESS SECTOR OF THE PELAGONIA REGION – Marina Nacka, Riste Elenov, Ivana Janeska Stamenkovska, Dragi Dimitrievski, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, Institute of Agricultural Economics, North Macedonia
Abstract: The agri-food sector in the Pelagonia region, despite its importance to the local economy, struggles to attract young people to employment opportunities. This study surveyed 15 companies of different sizes and an academic institution to understand the skills and competencies employers need and to explore the factors behind youth unemployment in this sector. The findings point to a mismatch between the skills taught in formal education and what the industry requires, as well as notable gender disparities in job opportunities. Employers emphasized the need for both soft skills, such as teamwork and flexibility, and hard skills, including practical agricultural expertise. A major barrier identified is the gap between formal education and the practical needs of the workplace, along with a lack of motivation and awareness among youth about the potential careers in the agri-business sector. The study recommends closer collaboration between academia and industry, more internship opportunities, and efforts to make the agri-food sector more appealing to young people. By addressing these issues, the Pelagonia region can build a more skilled and inclusive workforce, supporting the sustainable growth of its agri-food sector.
THE RURAL POPULATION OF VILLAGES IN POLAND 20 YEARS AFTER POLAND’S ACCESSION TO THE EU – Agnieszka Wrzochalska, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics – National. Research Institute (IAFE-NRI), Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract: The aim of the presentation is to provide an overview of the socio-demographic changes that have taken place in rural areas over the last twenty years. There has been an increase in the number and percentage of rural residents among the total population of Poland, which was primarily caused by the migration of people living in cities to areas around large urbanized areas. Rural areas were characterized by relatively better demographic indicators than cities. Although unfavorable quantitative relationships between older and younger groups of people became visible and intensified. The possibility of supporting older generations was significantly limited, which was reflected in the support coefficients. The elderly population will play an increasingly important role in shaping the demographic structure of society, including rural ones. Over the last twenty years, as a result of the noted positive impact of financing from European funds, there has been a development of technical and social infrastructure, which contributed to increased territorial cohesion and reduced the so-called social distance of rural areas. Opportunities have opened up for the modernization of the development and multifunctional nature of villages and the improvement of the living conditions of residents. The improvement of the road network has improved the time accessibility of medical, educational and other facilities. There has been a development of modern and cheap internet connection infrastructure. In the countryside, the educational aspirations of society have increased, pro-health behaviors have improved, and the disproportions in relation to urbanized areas have gradually decreased.
СONSUMPTION OF BERRIES BY POPULATION OF DIFFERENT AGES IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA – Natalia Bulgac, IP Doctoral School IP ISPHTA-UTM, Parascovia Sava, PhD in agricultural sciences, research lecturer, IP Scientific and Practical Institute of Horticulture and Food Technologies
Abstract: This article presents the results of a questionnaire survey among the population living in the Republic of Moldova aged under 18 and over 60 years. In the survey, information was taken about the consumption of blackcurrants by the population compared to other berries and whether people are aware of the benefits and vitamins of blackcurrants. Questionnaires revealed that the most consumed fresh strawberries during the season are strawberries, followed by raspberries and other berries. Berries are consumed mostly in the afternoon. The most useful fruits of the berry species are currants and raspberries, followed by blueberries. About 2/3 of the respondents said that blackcurrants contain vitamin C, and few know about other vitamins. Blackcurrants are eaten both fresh and processed. People of all ages prefer to eat the berry species fresh rather than processed. Frozen berries are most consumed by the 25-40 age group 69.23% and least consumed by the 41-60 age group 3.38%. Jam is most consumed in the 25-40 age group up to 67.30%, least consumed in the under 18 age group up to 8.33%.
COMPETITIVENESS OF BULGARIAN FRUIT PRODUCT|ION IN THE WORLD MARKET – Desislava Toteva, Atanaska Djodjova, Institute of agricultural economics, Sofia
Abstract: The purpose of the present study is to determine the competitiveness of the fruits sector after the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union, what is the state of fruits production, what are the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities for the development of the sector in the future. The development of the sector is determined by the demand of fruits on the world market and the traditional demand of local fruits on the national market. Competitiveness is a widely debated topic. There is still no generally accepted definition of competitiveness. The reason for this may be due to the different level of consideration of competitiveness – economy, sector or firm level. Historically, there have been different approaches to the study of competitiveness. Adam Smith examined it from the point of view of specialization and the absolute advantages of the countries. Adam Smith proved that in a market economy, the needs of consumers can be satisfied and the resources in society can be used most efficiently. David Ricardo studied competitiveness by supplementing it with the theory of the effect of comparative advantages and differences in the technologies of production of goods.In an OECD study of approaches to measuring competitiveness and efficiency in agricultural production, L. Lattrufe (2010) notes that there is no generally accepted definition of competitiveness in economic theory, and that it can be defined as the ability to be successful when faced with competition. Bris and Caballero present their own holistic approach to the study of competitiveness by listing a further thirteen different definitions of competitiveness.According to Michael Porter’s theory, a competitive advantage exists when the enterprise provides the same benefits to consumers as other firms, but at a lower price (price leadership) or when the utility of the company’s product is greater than that of competing products (product differentiation).The novelty in this study is that the competitiveness in a static aspect is determined by the ability of agricultural production in Bulgaria to preserve and expand its local and market share and to maintain and increase the added value of its production on a national and global scale. Through this concept, an attempt is made to make a comprehensive assessment of the competitiveness of the fruits sector, combining both the production side and the value side. In order to reveal the share of local fruits production in domestic and world consumption and the change in the gross value of Bulgarian production on a national and global scale, per capita in the article is used the total index of competitiveness.
STUDYING OF PRESSANCE AND INFLUENCE OF CORRELATION AND REGRESSION DEPENDENCES ON THE PRICE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND – Stefan Asenov, Institute of agricultural economics, Sofia
Absract: The management of real estate, which includes agricultural land, is a matter of national security, food security for the population, and economic prosperity for every country. Agricultural land is part of both national and personal wealth. Agriculture is a key sector in both the material production system and the national economic system of Bulgaria. In this context, the significance of land resources (agricultural land) as an irreplaceable production factor at the core of the agri-food chain and as a new evolutionary investment asset is fundamental. This study aims to analyze the impact of correlational dependencies on agricultural land prices. The study’s results have scientific value and practical application and are foundational in managerial decision-making, project management, risk assessment, and control for legislative, executive, and local authorities, agricultural enterprises, and, not least, personal finances. It concludes that of the ten examined independent variables, five have a coefficient of determination above 0.5, indicating that over 50% of the variance in the dataset of agricultural land prices (the dependent variable) can be explained by the values of these variables.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF BULGARIAN ACRICULTURE IN THE FRAMEWORK OF EU CAP – Rumen Popov, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Sofia
Abstract: The purpose of the report is to define the place and the role of agriculture in the national economy during the years of the country’s membership in the EU. The used data is related to the share of agriculture in GDP, the share of individual products in agricultural output, area and land use, crop and livestock production, prices of agricultural inputs, incomes in agriculture and changes in the number and area of agricultural holdings. Methods of product grouping, statistical groupings, factor analysis, etc. have been used. The main conclusion is that the EU CAP creates conditions for relative stability of production with a clear preponderance of cereals, and leads to a certain increase in competitiveness by reducing the number of farms and increasing the land cultivated by them.
LAND PRICE AND RENT: CAPITALIZATION AT REGIONAL LEVEL – Mihaela Mihailova, Institute of agricultural economics, Sofia
Abstract: The author aims to assess the factors influencing agricultural rents and land prices and to evaluate the significance of their impacts. Given that much of Bulgaria’s agricultural land is leased, understanding the relationship between land rent and land price is crucial. The average market price of agricultural land, independent of these factors, exhibits considerable variation annually and regionally. It is essential that the average growth rate of land rent does not exceed 6%, as this could lead to disparities between the development of land rent and land prices or a disproportionate increase in land price. The research objective is to see difference in capitalization on regional level in Bulgaria.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CAGE DROPPING OUT IN CALF REARING IN BULGARIA. COST-BENEFIT ASSESSMENT – Dilyana Mitova, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Academy and Bozidar Ivanov, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Academy
Abstract: This study goa is to evaluate the effects of introducing the ban on cage calf rearing in Bulgaria. Material and methods: In order to gain insight into the complex socio-economic implications of EC initiative to phase out cage farming of farm animals in the EU, a science-based assessment at the calve-rearing at national sectoral level is made. The RCA method is applied to 3 scenarios: baseline status quo scenario; with voluntary introduction of non-cаgе calf rearing and market pressure; mandatory regulation with a transition period of up to 10 years for full implementation. A list of indicators by typology and types is compiled.Results: The scenario with mandatory regulations for the cancellation of cage rearing, with a proposed 10-year transit period, is estimated by the industry to receive an insignificantly lower overall score on the included 25 indicators than the other scenarios. Conclusion: The ban on cage calf farming should not lead to severe and serious adverse effects related to both investment burden and rising production costs, even it can bring some positives (mostly in relation to the labor need), and it will not have, or will have only minor, adverse production effects on the sector.
ESTIMATION OF THE EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK TO MEASURE BULGARIAN FIELD CROPS FARM SUSTAINABILITY BY ECONOMIC SIZE CLASSES – Veselin Krustev, Institute of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Academy
Abstract: Creating the European development framework to measure farms sustainability involves estimation of average European Union rates on farm level which excludes farms specialization and economic size classes. This paper aims to find out the sustainability benchmark and the average levels of each economic size class of EU`s field crops farm sustainability of all economic size classes which requires some basic indicators covering the main sustainability dimensions – economic, social and ecological.
ECONOMIC STUDY FOR STARTING UP A SMALL ORCHARD FARM – Monika Kabadzhova, Institute of agriculture, Kyustendil
Abstract: The World Health Organization recommends consuming more fruits linked to healthy nutrition. From the consumers’ point of view, it would be good to have a greater variety of local fruits in the Bulgarian markets. These practices will improve the renewal of rural areas in Bulgaria. In both EU-27 and Bulgaria, the areas planted with pears have the lowest relative share from another orchard. At the same time, pears stand out by a high concentration of folic acid, choline, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin K, making them very useful for human health. Pears, as well as apples, have the most substantial effect on reducing the risk of diabetes. The study aims to research creation of small pear farm located in a disadvantaged rural area of the Kyustendil region. It was used economic indicators for analyzing. The results show that after the costs of creating the farm investment, the profit appears in the sixth year without CAP support.
12:30 – 12:40 Conclusion Remarks
12:40 – 14:00 Lunch
