Financial support for organic farming by Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 of Bulgaria

Published on November 11, 2019

Rural Development Programme of Bulgaria is the national instrument for providing the funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: "Europe investing in rural areas" – part of the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of EU and the European Structural and Investment Funds of the EU. Supporting of organic farming is one of the measures under the Programme, in compliance with the EU law on organic production, especially Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 setting out the principles, aims and overarching rules of organic production and defining how organic products were to be labeled with the EU organic label (logo). The Programme support organic plant production, organic beekeeping and organic cultivation of livestock. Under this measure are implemented two sub-measures: • Sub-measure Payments for conversion to organic farming; • Sub-measure Payments for maintaining organic farming. Support is provided in the form of annual payments per hectare of utilized agricultural area, livestock unit or bee family. Under Sub-measure Payments for conversion to organic farming are supported, throughout the country, farmers whose farms are in transition - transition of the farm from conventional to organic production (crop production, beekeeping and organic livestock). Commitments are for a period of five years, but there is option for an extension of two additional years. Under Sub-measure Payments for maintaining organic farming are supported throughout the country, farmers who possess a document issued by Controlling entity, proving that their parcels have been passed the transition to organic production (organic crops, organic farming and organic beekeeping). Beneficiaries undertake to apply the methods of organic production for a period of five consecutive years. After five years period, candidates can extend their commitment annually until the end of the programming period.

Promotion of organic plant production, livestock breeding and beekeeping will lead to reduced use of fertilizers, pesticides, pollution of the soil and water and generally – to agriculture, consistent with best environmental practices. The introduction of extensive farming practices will reduce nitrification and the inflow of nutrients in natural and semi-natural ecosystems, especially grasslands and aquatic habitats, with cumulative positive effect on flora and fauna and generally on natural and semi-natural ecosystems. This will contribute to maintaining species and habitats - target for protected zones, in favorable conservation status. The measure is expected to have a positive impact and contribution to sustainable rural development, contributing to the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change and supporting small and medium-sized farms, most of which are family. Furthermore, given the fact that most organic producers prefer to develop short supply chains, it is also expected to contribute to the social cohesion of rural areas.