Financial Issues And Funding In The Bulgarian Beekeeping Sector

Abstract

The aim of the study is to establish the amount of funding in Bulgarian beekeeping and their trends. The goal is achived through an analysis of the tendencies and the main sources of financial means. The study analyses the financial support from European and national funds (the National Beekeeping Program, the de minimis scheme, the Rural Development Program) for over BGN 18 million and from commercial banks and own sources for over BGN 3 million. Together they form financial markets for over BGN 21 million a year in Bulgarian beekeeping. The European and state financial resources intended for Bulgarian beekeeping from the country's membership in the EU are increasing in absolute terms, but are decreasing relative to the total funds. Bulgarian beekeeping has gained access to additional funding, which is not proportionate in comparison with other sectors. Additional financial support is needed per hive for the ecosystem pollination service in order to ensure biodiversity and food security in the EU. The financing of the Bulgarian beekeeping will continue to grow steadily.