Challenges Associated with the Development of Vegetable Production in Bulgaria after the EU Enlargement

Abstract

After the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union, a series of changes have occurred in the vegetable production sector. The support that has been rendered to the vegetable producers has caused restructuring of the sector and has led to some new adaptation processes. Vegetable crops are grown in the most suitable soil and climatic regions in Bulgaria which eliminates the need for their proper zoning, respectively their territorial specialization and concentration of production. Vegetable production is a fundamental and integral part of agricultural production and it is characterized with great intensity and dynamics. This traditional sub-sector has a good potential for development especially in rural areas where a considerable part of Bulgarian population is concentrated. The import of fruits and vegetables affects the structure and volume of Bulgarian agricultural production. Therefore, Bulgarian agricultural policy should have clear priorities for the development of the sector and its transformation into a competitive branch of Bulgarian economy.