Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 21 ISSUE 2
Written by Teodora STOEVA

Vegetable production has always been a specific sector of agricultural production. It is characterized by the possibility of growing a wide range of cultivated plant species, many of which are of important significance for the economic contribution of the plant production sub-sector not only to the agriculture, but also to the national economy. The social and economic changes that followed after 1990 have had a catastrophic impact on vegetable production in Bulgaria. What was known as large-scale specialized vegetable production has become multi-assortment, small-scale, low-performance and precarious production. Bulgaria has lost its strong position as a traditional vegetable producer and exporter. A major challenge facing Bulgarian vegetable production is its modernization – it would help increase the production competitiveness so that the vegetable products meet the current quality requirements and compete with the imported vegetables. The purpose of this article is to analyze the challenges and trends in the development of Bulgarian vegetable production which is characterized by great intensity related to the context of the Common agricultural policy with a view to enhancing its competitiveness and sustainable development. For the purposes of the research different information sources have been used - scientific journals, publications by Bulgarian authors, as well as the author's own research. Based on the analysis of vegetable production in Bulgaria and the economic results obtained from the production of the main vegetable crops grown we can draw the following conclusions: The land productivity in Bulgaria regarding field vegetable production is low despite the favorable soil and climatic conditions typical of the area; Average yields of the main vegetables grown in Bulgaria are lower than their potential biological productivity; Enhancing the national support for the vegetable production sector; A major challenge facing Bulgarian vegetable production is its modernization – it would help increase the production competitiveness so that the vegetable products meet the current quality requirements and compete with the imported vegetables.

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