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Consumer Preferences for Dried Apples of Cultivar Florina

Author(s): Monika Kabadzhova,Nikolay Dimitrov / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: apple; drying methods; consumer behavior; willingness to pay

Regarding the World Health Organization's prescription to consume more fruits and vegetables to make people healthier, the article gives particular consideration to consumers' preferences about fruit consumption. In the study, apple fruits of the cultivar Florina were chosen. The type of fruits that respondents should rate in the study were dried. Four apple drying methods were used: in sun, in shade, in dehydrator, and in lyophilizer. The study found that freeze-dried apples are the most preferred, followed by those in a dehydrator and sun. These types were also rated highest in taste, while shade-dried fruits were rated negatively. According to the respondents, dried apples of the cultivar Florina can be consumed year-round; they are healthy and suitable for young children and diabetics and do not have added sweeteners. In addition, freeze-dried apples resemble fruit chips, they are crunchy and have a nice, unchanged color. Regarding consumers' willingness to purchase dried Florina apples, it was found that consumers are willing to pay the most for dried apples between BGN 1 and BGN 2. In contrast, the apples dried in a lyophilizer were rated higher over BGN 5. As a result of the study, it can be summarized that each consumer's taste is different. Also, each type of dried fruit has different consumer groups. The most preferred types include dried apples in a lyophilizer, dehydrator, and sun.

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Scenario Analysis to Investigate the Effect of Implementing Compensatory Payments for Reducing Water Erosion in Bulgaria

Author(s): Svetozar Ivanov,Dimitar Nikolov / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: agriculture; agri-environmental payments; water erosion; scenario analysis

Soil degradation due to water erosion presents a critical challenge with far-reaching economic and environmental implications. This article focuses on strategies to enhance the efficacy of agro-ecological interventions aimed at mitigating water erosion. The Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Republic of Bulgaria for the 2023 – 2027 period outlines specific measures, including the “Eco Scheme for Preservation and Restoration of Soil Potential” and the “Eco Scheme for Ecological Maintenance of Permanent Plantations,” to address this issue. For the purposes of this analysis, in addition to the size of compensatory payments, an indicator of the economic value of reduced water erosion is introduced. Three scenarios are simulated, each varying the size of agroecological payments. They are contingent upon specific outcomes achieved in reducing water erosion. The agri-environmental payments from the CAP 2023 – 2027 are tied to agricultural practices and are influenced by both the compensatory payment amount and the agricultural area. In the three scenarios considered, additional indicators include the economic value of reduced soil erosion and the extent of soil erosion reduction attributable to agro-ecological payments. For the purposes of this analysis, seven distinct crop farms located in the Blagoevgrad district were selected. The analysis revealed the necessity for differentiating compensatory payments based on the size of the farms and the specific outcomes achieved. Land degradation is a significant threat to sustainable development, particularly in Southern European countries (Barbayiannis et al., 2011). Farmers, primarily focused on their business operations and profit maximization, often lack awareness or concern for various environmental issues (Taguas and Gómez, 2015). Through their agricultural practices, farmers exert both positive and negative impacts on various processes that not only affect their own farms but also have broader implications for society and ecosystems. The adoption of effective management practices and investments in soil health protection plays a significant role in achieving balance in these processes. This approach leads to a reduction in soil erosion and degradation, enhances water retention, and helps prevent or mitigate the effects of natural disasters: landslides and floods etc. As a result of their activities, farmers have developed various protective systems in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, where agricultural conditions are more challenging. The construction of stone walls, terracing, and other such elements by engaged farmers provides essential measures for reducing surface erosion and preventing landslides (Agnoletti et al., 2011). Soil erosion is a phenomenon, associated with a series of natural and/or anthropogenic processes of detachment and transfer of soil particles by wind, rain and irrigation waters ( Rousseva, 2008).

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Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Agriculture

Author(s): Iliyana Krasteva / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: sustainable agricultural practices; Common Agricultural Policy; environment; sustain-ability; benefits

Modern agriculture faces many opportunities and challenges. In the future, the world population is expected to rise dramatically. This growing population places a demand for increased food production, which will lead to significant damage to the environment and natural ecosystems. For many years, conventional farming practices have been used in agriculture. As a consequence of a number of environmental risks, such as erosion, compaction, salinization, pollution, loss of biological bio-diversity, the quality of agricultural soils is increasingly deteriorating. In this regard, one of the possible solutions to overcome the negative consequences is to implement sustainable farming practices in agriculture. The new Common Agricultural Policy provides a number of instruments and measures aimed at supporting the agricultural sector. The main idea is to invest funds in promoting the implementation of sustainable practices, with the aim of limiting the use of pesticides and chemicals, while at the same time preserving the necessary nutrients, improving soil fertility, leading to efficient and sustainable management of agricultural lands and natural re-sources. This report mainly aims to present some good sustainable agricultural practices implemented by farmers in agriculture. In connection with this, the following tasks are set: outline the role of the Common Agricultural Policy in the context of sustainable agriculture, present good examples of sustainable agricultural practices and, on this basis, derive the main benefits of their application in agriculture. The application of sustainable agricultural practices in agriculture leads to the mitigation of climate change impacts, stabilizes agro-ecosystems and increases their resilience. The protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources are of priority importance for the production of healthy and safe food in order to improve living conditions in rural areas. As a result of the conducted research, it is established that nature-saving practices provide a number of diverse ecological, social and economic benefits necessary to minimize the negative impacts on the environment. The new CAP lays the foundation for fairer and more sustainable agricultural farming models. Undoubtedly, the application of sustainable agricultural practices is one of the possibilities to achieve long-term sustainability of agriculture and contribute to stimulating the development of the rural economy on a regional, national and global scale.

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Agricultural Dynamics in The EU and the Raw Material Super Cycle

Author(s): George Guerov,Nadezhda Blagoeva,Vanya Georgieva / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: EU agriculture; Raw Material Super Cycle (RMSC); commodity crops; comparative analysis; regression models; policy impact; production yields; export value

This study aims to explore the impact of the Raw Material Supercycle (RMSC) on agricultural dynamics in the European Union (EU), focusing on key commodity crops such as wheat, maize, barley, sunflower, and the unorthodox but strategic choice of potatoes. The inclusion of potatoes is particularly relevant due to their dietary significance, adaptability to diverse growing conditions, and their potential as a substitute crop during periods of raw material volatility. The research investigates how global raw material trends influence crop production, e port values, and market structures within the EU. Moreover, it seeks to identify key domestic and policy-driven factors that moderate the RMSC’s effects on the agricultural sector. Methodology: Utilizing a multi-method research approach, the study combines regression models with comparative analysis and trend analysis. Regression models are applied to assess the influence of the RMSC on production volumes and e port values of wheat, maize, barley, sunflower, and potatoes. The study contrasts the performance of these crops during different phases of the super cycle, identifying key dependencies and divergent trends across the EU. Furthermore, the study tracks changes in the areas under harvest, yields, and production levels for each crop, providing a nuanced understanding of agricultural dynamics in light of global raw material fluctuations. Key Findings: The study reveals significant correlation between the RMSC and the performance of EU commodity crops. or instance, while France and Italy continue to dominate the e port market for wheat, Bulgaria has emerged as a rising producer, with strong potential for future dominance in this sector. The choice of potatoes, often overlooked in traditional studies, proved insightful, as their unique growing flexibility and substitutive value contributes to mitigating the impact of raw material price volatility. Moreover, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plays important, but limited in effects role in moderating the global super cycle’s effects by providing subsidies that buffer internal market dynamics. Originality/Scientific Novelty: This research provides an in-depth analysis of how global raw material cycles influence regional agricultural systems, specifically addressing the unorthodox yet strategic role of potatoes. By integrating crop-specific performance during different RMSC phases, it contributes a new understanding of localized agricultural vulnerabilities and resilience. Practical Value/Implications: The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, particularly in crafting agricultural strategies that can anticipate and mitigate the effects of future super cycle phases. Recommendations include targeted investments in crop diversity and substitutable crops, with implications for strengthening agricultural resilience across the EU.

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The Evolution of Associative Forms in Agriculture/Fruit Growing Culture in Romania

Author(s): Nicoleta Marin,Raluca Mitulescu,Iulia Alexandra OPREA,Eliza Gheorghe,Alexandra Rusu / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: rural development; sustainability; association in agriculture; fruit-growing farms

In Romania, there is a significant diversity of forms of association that operate in various fields, both based on the activities carried out and on the specifics of the economic branches, at county, regional and national level. This diversity includes, but is not limited to, producer associations, producer groups, cooperatives, branch unions, etc. Over time, the activity of these associative entities has been subject to a legislative framework that has evolved to respond to the specific needs and challenges faced by these organizations. The present study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of the forms of association in Romania, focusing on identifying the essential similarities and differences between cooperatives and producer groups. This analysis will include an in-depth examination of the organizational structure of cooperatives and producer groups, based on the latest available data on this sector of the economy. In assessing the current state of fruit farms in Romania, a detailed analysis of data from 2005 – 2020 was carried out, considered the most recent source of information at farm level. This assessment was carried out using an approach that considered the legal form of the farms, their physical and economic size, and the development regions in which they are located. Thus, the study will not only bring to the fore relevant information about the fruit sector, but will also contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and diversity of the forms of association in Romania, providing a solid basis for future research and development in this field. In addition, the analysis will also include aspects related to the impact of climate change on production, as well as consumption trends influencing the fruit market. These elements are essential to outline an overview of the challenges faced by farmers and to identify opportunities for growth and adaptation in the face of global change. We will also examine the role of agricultural policies and subsidies in supporting the sector, highlighting how they can stimulate innovation and sustainability, but also the vocational training of farmers, which has contributed to increasing the number of plantations, the quality of products and their diversification. The importance of European grants thus becomes obvious, as they have not only stimulated the increase in the number of fruit farms, but have also contributed to the development of a more competitive and innovative agricultural economy in Romania.

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Family Farms – A Sustainable Model for the Development of Rural Areas

Author(s): Daniela Tsvyatkova / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: family farms; rural regions; vitality; sustainable development

The family farm is a unique organizational form that holds significant economic and social importance in rural areas. These farms preserve traditions, customs, history, and authentic folklore and are symbolic of Bulgarian heritage in rural regions. They provide employment for rural households, enhance production efficiency, ensure food security, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of family farms in promoting sustainable rural development. Motivation for agricultural and non-agricultural activities in rural areas is influenced by various factors, including natural and labor resources, financial support through the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) and state assistance, market conditions, infrastructure, and more. To achieve the research goal, both quantitative and qualitative methods are employed, using representative data and results from comprehensive agricultural censuses, empirical sociological studies, desk research, and internet sources. The involvement of the younger generation in farm ownership and the continued development of small businesses is essential for rural areas, serving as the backbone for economic activity and social structure. Targeted development of family farms will also contribute to the sustainable environmental growth of agriculture in Bulgaria and ensure greater attention to environmental preservation. Additionally, increasing the competitiveness of family farms can, beyond raising employment levels, lead to various secondary effects in rural areas, such as the development of related industries, income growth, risk reduction in agricultural activities, and workforce skill enhancement through experience and knowledge acquisition, as well as the implementation of innovations in production. Family farms possess all the qualities needed to strengthen the economic vitality of rural Bulgaria and to be a significant factor in alleviating rural poverty, both by creating jobs and as consumers of various services provided by other rural residents.

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Status and Trends in the Development of the Beekeeping Sector in Bulgaria

Author(s): Georgi Angelov / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: beekeeping sector; beekeeping; negative trends; honey

The present study is aimed at the state and trends in the development of beekeeping in Bulgaria. There are not many studies devoted to the problems in the sector, but their importance for the development of beekeeping in Bulgaria is great, therefore clarifying them will improve the development of the sector. The need for the research stems from the fact that, despite the great opportunity for the development of beekeeping available to the country in recent years, the sector is not only not developing, but is facing a catastrophe. The main hypothesis is that beekeeping in Bulgaria, despite the good natural conditions for development, is too far from its potential. This stagnation of the sector has a certain reason. This is where the main goal of the study comes from. To identify the main reason or factor stopping the development of beekeeping in Bulgaria. or this purpose, the main indicators of the state of beekeeping were analyzed. The main channels for the sale of bee honey and the quantities of production realized through them have been tracked. The largest buyers and sellers in the country have been identified and a comparison of the prices offered by them has been made. The external factors affecting the price and demand for Bulgarian honey have been analyzed. As a result, the reasons and circumstances leading to the negative trends in the sector have been established. From the conducted research, we have reason to claim that the most significant factor affecting the development of beekeeping is the profitability of a bee colony. As the low profitability, in this case, stems from the adoption of bad legislative policies by the State and the EU, to the detriment of beekeeping. Which have led to price and quality dumping. As a result, local production is forced to sell at unrealistically low prices and the sector finds itself in great difficulty and on the verge of bankruptcy. Interventions are proposed that would help transform the sector into an attractive and profitable business. But a decisive role for the development of beekeeping remains in the hands of the state and European administration and their legal and financial policies aimed at the sector.

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