A Comprehensive Study on the Sustainability of Agricultural Farms in Bulgaria

The issue of assessment of sustainability of agricultural farms as a whole and of different types is among the most topical for researchers, farmers, investors, administrators, politicians, interests groups and public at large. In Bulgaria, there are no assessments on sustainability level farming structures in conditions of European Union Common Agricultural Policy implementation. This paper applies a holistic framework and assesses the sustainability of Bulgarian farms as a whole and of different juridical types, sizes, production specialization, and ecological and geographical location. Initially, the method of the study is outlined and overall characteristics of surveyed holdings are presented. After that, an assessment is made of integral, governance, economic, social, environmental sustainability of farms in general and of different types and location. Next, the structure of farms with different sustainability levels is analyzed. Finally, the factors for improving the sustainability of Bulgarian farms are identified, and directions for further research and amelioration of farm management and public intervention in the sector are suggested.