Opportunities and Prospects for Development of Organic Viticulture in Bulgaria | Възмо жности и перспективи за развитие на биологичното лозарство в Югоизточния лозаро -винарски район на България

The organic production dates from 80 years of last century. It develops in almost all countries of Western Europe and the USA. Today organic farming is applied in over 110 countries worldwide, with the largest areas of organic production from all kinds of agricultural goods are Australia with 11.3 million ha, Argentina with 2.8 million ha and Italy with over 1 million ha. An increasing number of consumers seeking healthy, nutritious and uncontaminated with fertilizers and other chemicals production. Their motivation ranges from concern for the ecological balance of the earth to concern for their health. Soil and climatic conditions in Bulgaria for the development of viticulture are very favorable. The climate varies from temperate continental in the north to the Mediterranean - in the south, which is very favorable premise of both the white and red grapes. Bioclimatic conditions in Bulgaria are formed three major soil zones - the North forest steppe zone, South Bulgarian kserotermalna zone and mountain zone. Each of these zones is characterized by a variety of soils. In the North forest steppe zone dominated chernozem and gray forest soils in South Bulgarian kserotermalna zone - vertisols and maroon-forested, mountainous zone is characterized by mountain brown forest soils. In Bulgaria there is a low degree of environmental pollution with pesticides and chemical fertilizers, appropriate geographical location of vineyards, structure of varieties with the requisite skills, professionals and workers with appropriate knowledge and skills. After Bulgaria joined the EU launched a targeted policy for the production of organic products in line with the trend towards sustainable rural development. With the development and implementation of the Programme for Rural Development 2007-2013, NAEP and the National Plan for the development of organic farming in the period 2006-2013 was taken specific measures to implement production methods to maintain or improve environmental quality and ensure the quality of life for farmers and consumers. These measures are related to the development of domestic and foreign market for organic products and relate to increasing the range and quantity of organic products offered in the commercial development of distribution channels and create groups of producers of organic products and foods building an effective system of inspection and certification, financial assistance to manufacturers, approval of the national character of biological production, national information campaigns to promote among the population, supporting the Bulgarian producers of organic seed and planting material in Bulgaria. Currently, farmers who produce organic products can receive support under the first pillar of CAP direct payments and through measures to support prices. Organic production is fully integrated into development policy of rural areas in the second pillar of the CAP and agri-environmental measures. The second pillar is given according to Council Regulation № 1257/99. This Regulation deals with the measures for rural development, including agri-environment. Of particular importance is the fact that agri-environment measure is the only one which is binding on member countries and farming is one of the measures in the field of agri-environment, which the EU member states can choose. One of the main problems facing the grape producers is insufficient financing of production. MAF should support such manufacturers not only with information, but by providing technical assistance in applying for various projects to attract more resources in the production of organic grapes. The problem of imitation in our country is very serious for the competitiveness and reputation of organic products named bio, green, from ecologically clean area, especially as regards the field of organic foods. The activity of producers of fake organic food is considered unfair competition, because it is misleading advertising. Misleading labels invade the Law on the common organization of agricultural markets of the EU. In his long historical path of development Bulgaria preserve its rich cultural and environmental traditions. In the ever increasing interest in environmental issues and a healthy diet and a government supportive and inclusive financial policy which provokes the development of such proceedings, our country has good opportunities to take place as a producer and exporter of wine from organic grapes.