Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 23 ISSUE 3
Written by Marina NIKOLOVA, Elena YORDANOVA

All strategic documents related to the development of agriculture and its sustainable management in Bulgaria focus on the primary role of the human factor, with priorities aimed at stimulating generational renewal and transferring of experience and skills, leading to the success of agricultural holdings. However, the trend related to the advanced age of most agricultural producers and the lack of sufficiently educated and competent entrepreneurs to use the advantages of technology in agricultural production stands out as a problem. The aim of our research concerns the study and generalisation of main trends in this regard in Bulgarian agricultural holdings, emphasising the importance of several main factors for sustainability and their interrelationship, namely: family - non-family workforce, gender, age and education of farmers. The age and education of people working in agriculture are significant factors in the success and sustainability of the sector. By promoting education and training and bringing the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs into the agricultural sector, agriculture ensures its continued success and growth. The combination of age and education also contributes to the development of specific skills and knowledge in agribusiness. Research methods used in the study include: general scientific research methods, summary and synthesis, logical method, tabular and graphical presentation of characteristics and trends. The analysis is based on empirical evidence – observation, interview, case studies from the practical activity of agricultural holdings and shared experience from producers. The results of the research can be systematised in several directions: influence of the family – non-family workforce factor on the management process; importance of the gender of the employed in the agricultural sector; age ratio and its benefits; awareness of the need for appropriate education and training of farmers. In conclusion, the summarised studies create an idea of trends in the Bulgarian agricultural sector regarding the importance of human factor and outline future directions for research in the field of human resources in modern agriculture.

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