THE DEVELOPMENT AND STATE OF CONTEMPORARY AGRICULTURAL MARKETS

Abstract

The aim of this research is to outline some key trends in the development and state of contemporary global and Bulgarian agricultural markets. The research comprises the occurring changes in agricultural markets. The analysis of on-going transformations includes the state and dynamics of their global dimensions, and the influence of social, technological and other factors. We have analysed the GMO, organic and online markets of agricultural products in relation to their prospects for development on a global scale and at a regional level – in Bulgaria. We have ascertained tha,t as a whole, the trends of expanding agricultural markets – conventional, organic, genetically modified foods and online - are the result of social transformations and technological development. We have observed a significant delay in Bulgarian agricultural markets compared to the trends and development of world agricultural markets. We have ascertained a strong discrepancy – bearing in mind the development of agricultural business in Bulgaria throughout the last decade and a significantly slower development of national agricultural markets, infrastructure and market relations. Particular difficulties exist related to the realization of agricultural produce created in Bulgaria.