Common Agricultural Policy and Rural Development in Bulgaria

Abstract

Rural areas in the EU differ substantially in terms of the level and development trends. In order to establish where they are located in Bulgarian rural areas in their development compared to those in other member states have used the output indicators from the beginning of the programming period - 2007. The data show that Bulgaria is among the countries with highest employment in primary sector, highest share of GVA created by him, and income per capita are 2-3 times lower than average European. Ascertain very large differences in income levels in predominantly rural and predominantly urban areas.
The main objective of study is to analyze the impact of the CAP and in particular RDP to improve the economic and social situation of rural areas. Emphasis is on the impact incurred by RDP measures on the priority areas such as increasing employment and qualification of employees, incomes, the added value, improving the quality of life etc. In the study itself used official data reflecting the condition of socio-economic reality in rural in rural areas and the results of the implementation of key measures of the RDP. Those data are supplemented by a survey data gathered through a sociological research among potential beneficiaries in rural areas.
The analysis shows still heavily dependence on the rural areas economy from agriculture (plus forestry, hunting and fishing). Low labor productivity of these sectors and the need for modernization will lead to increased unemployment. The dilemma to provide enough new working places or the loss of significant part of qualified young people can find answer in the diversification of economic activity and production of agricultural products with high added value.