Ökolandbau in Bulgarien–vor allem Arznei- und Aromapflanzensowie Waldfrüchte, Obst und Bio-Honig für den Export

The statistical data of the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture show an certified growing area of 9 370 ha in near 80 farm holdings for organic plant production, 2 in mixed plant and animal production and 5 organic livestock breeding farms. Much bigger area of ca. 155 793 ha is certified grassland and protected areas for wild collection of herbs and wild berries. The average agricultural holdings cover 0,5 ha. Two hubs in South and North Bulgaria launched the pilot Organic Herbs initiative in an UNDP JOBS project at the end of 2002. Now 8 support centers have nurseries for organic seeds and seedlings, trail plots, demonstration and production fields, driers and primary processing facilities. The main products are sage, lemon balm, peppermint, valerian, mountain tea, savory, chamomile, dog-rose, lavender, thyme, hyssop and marigold.