Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 20 ISSUE 2
Written by Boryana IVANOVA, Mariyana SHISHKOVA, Rositsa BELUHOVA-UZUNOVA

Fuel dependency and uncertainty about their prices, coupled with increasing concerns about climate change and other environmental issues, are among the major global challenges on the agenda. They are key drivers for the development of biomass production, considered as the core of the bioeconomy and a main alternative for energy production. The aim of the study is to analyse the contribution of Bulgarian agriculture to the bioeconomy development and the potential of the sector for biomass production. The research is based on the definition and classification of the bioeconomy proposed by the European Commission. Тhe results show a tendency of diminishing importance of Bulgarian agriculture in the national economy after accession to the EU. On the other hand, the sector remains a major source of employment in rural areas. In terms of the potential of Bulgarian agriculture for biomass production, crops of wheat, sunflower and maize play an important role. Based on the data, the other crops analysed cannot be considered as a key source of biomass. Among the major challenges facing Bulgaria are the attitudes in society about the benefits of using biomass, including economic, social and environmental. Therefore, the entrepreneurial activity should be stimulated in order to guarantee sustainable production and efficient use of biomass in the conditions of imbalance between North and South Bulgaria.

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