Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 23 ISSUE 2
Written by Rositsa BELUHOVA-UZUNOVA, Mariyana SHISHKOVA, Krum HRISTOV

The CAP 2013 reform aimed to achieve ambitious goals - more equality in the distribution of financial support, better targeting and „greening” of direct payments. The aim of the study is to outline the changes in Bulgarian agricultural structure and to formulate recommendations for the post-2023 period. The results show that in Bulgaria, during 2010-2020, the number of agricultural holdings decreased by 64%, and the farm structure was seriously transformed. The trends of land concentration and polarization are continuing, although the European and national policy priorities are directed at overcoming the imbalances and differences. These land concentration processes are accompanied by accumulating a significant share of direct payments in large holdings. The transformations in farm structure could lead a significant challenge in the context of future Bulgarian agricultural development, food security and livelihood in rural areas. The flexibility and subsidiarity proposed by the CAP allow the EU Member-states to set their priorities and direct financial support to crucial sectors according to national specifics. However, financial aid should be better targeted, and the capping and payments reduction need to be more efficient.

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