Country Information

Bulgaria

Management of Rural Development

Rural Development in Bulgaria is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Rural Development policy is defined in the Bulgarian National Strategy Plan for Rural Development and a single Rural Development Programme (RDP) covering the whole country. The National Rural Development Strategy for Bulgaria puts strong emphasis on improving the competitiveness of the agri-food sector and improving the quality of life and diversification opportunities in rural areas (as a pre-condition for economic growth and retaining population in those areas). An appropriate attention is also paid to environment and land management as a means to preserve national resources and improve the countryside.

Summary of rural development policy objectives

The objectives were chosen in accordance with the Community Strategic Guidelines (CSG) and the identified needs in the National Strategic Plan (NSP) and aim to:

Develop a competitive and innovation-based agriculture, forestry and food processing industry;
Protect the natural resources and environment of rural areas;
Improve the quality of life and diversify job opportunities in rural areas.

Relevant documents

National Strategy Plan (NSP): https://prsr.government.bg/Admin/upload/Media_file_1268272345.pdf
National Rural Development Programme (RDP): https://prsr.government.bg/index.php/en/
Rural Development programme summary: to see the detailed RDP fiche click here.

Relevant organisations

National Authority: Ministry of Agriculture and Food: https://www.mzh.government.bg
Managing Authority: Ministry of Agriculture and Food: https://www.mzh.government.bg
Paying Agency: https://www.dfz.bg/bg/
National Rural Network (NRN):
- https://www.nsm.government.bg
- Bulgarian NRN on ENRD
Local Action Groups on ENRD website