Despite its importance, agriculture is developing at different rates in European countries, mainly because of their sector-related policies. While cities keep growing and arable land decreases, entrepreneurs devoted to rural development and farms are using the resources of each piece of land more efficiently with the help of new ideas aimed at rational production of crops and protection from pests and diseases.

Bulgarians have been strongly linked to their land for centuries, but deserted fields and yards are now a common sight in the country. The hope of turning them into tidy gardens, the way they used to be, seem vague.

Evidence that investments in agriculture can be profitable are the "Agrobusinessman of Bulgaria" awards, which were presented for the 28th time. The grand prize was awarded to Svetla Stoyanova. She is a grain producer from the Pleven region whose arable land amounts to 20,000 decares. In addition, farmers received awards in 9 other categories, among which agricultural innovations, scientist with contribution to Bulgarian agriculture, successfully introduced product of new generation, and agricultural investor in 2018. His name is Anton Totev. Born in the town of Sandanski, Totev graduated from Geneva and decides to return to Bulgaria to create a competitive business in line with the Bulgarian market. He built a year-round greenhouse for the production of leafy vegetables and herbs based on hydroponics. This is a method of growing plants without soil. For their growth, a basic nutrient solution containing all the substances required for the plants is used. No excess chemicals are released into the environment, everything necessary for the crops is strictly dosed. Thanks to computers, workers control lighting, heating or cooling, and enriching the air with carbon dioxide for better photosynthesis very precisely. In October this year, Anton Totev took part in the Young Farmer of Europe contest held in Belgian capital of Brussels. Although his project did not win any of the prizes, he was ranked among the most sustainable developers in a poll conducted amongst the participants. Each recognition is important for the young entrepreneur, as they have to face problems on a daily basis:

“There are various difficulties but one of the major problems is keeping production compliant with sales. Another problem is the availability of labor, because although we have a fairly automated production, people are still a key factor. We are located in Sandanski and I am glad that the region is much better developed in comparison to other parts of Bulgaria. Generally, people associate greenhouses with very warm and wet places, but I'm glad that thanks to our technology, this is not the case, and people come with more desire to work for us. I would like to work with more young people, but unfortunately, we are not able to attract them.”

The need for more young people in agriculture is more and more visible, but for this purpose, investments in agriculture must be more effectively supported by the state. This would be an effective solution to the problem of abandoned and uncultivated land all over the country.

English: Alexander Markov