Journal of Economics and Development Studies

Relationship between the Sustainable Models of Production in Agriculture and the Challenges to Their Development in Bulgaria
Marina Nikolova

Abstract
Contemporary farming offers new opportunities and poses new challenges to meeting the demand for safe and quality food. Technological innovations in the sector relate to increased environmental protection and applying environmentally friendly farming practices. At the same time, they contribute to improved management and higher profitability of innovative farms, in addition to meeting consumer demand for green products. Integrated farming is a practical model of food production in compliance with the principles of sustainable farming. This model illustrates the manner in which contemporary farming may observe all economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainable development. Applying that model in food production requires focusing on the rational exploitation of natural resources and observing high environmental standards. As a matter of fact, organic farming has already become an established model for the development of innovative farms and its development over the last years indicates significant dynamic trends in Bulgarian farming practices. This paper focuses on the need to develop sustainable farming by managing the components of the farming system through sustainable farming models. It also examines the relation among conventional, integrated, and organic farming and puts an emphasis on existing opportunities for developing organic and integrated farming in Bulgaria. The paper also reviews some of the challenges faced by two sustainable farming models, namely, organic and integrated farming.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jeds.v3n4a7