The report presents the results of the first stage of the research project "Competitiveness of agricultural farms in Bulgaria" funded by the Agricultural Academy and implemented by a team from the Institute of Agrarian Economics, UNWE, NBU and IPAZR "N. Pushkarov ”in Sofia.
A holistic framework for understanding, evaluating, and improving the competitiveness of agricultural holdings in Bulgaria has been elaborated. The achievements of the interdisciplinary New Institutional Economics, Theory of Economic Organizations, Theory of Competitiveness and other scientific methods such as: study of literature and experience, summary, synthesis, design, comparative and institutional analysis, multicriteria analysis, groupings, discrete structural analysis, value -measuring, qualitative analysis, expert evaluation, survey, Shift-share Analysis, VTOPSIS and statistical analysis, localization analysis, etc.
Numerous publications and experience in the country and the world for understanding and assessing the competitiveness of agricultural holdings have been studied. On this basis, a (more) adequate definition of the competitiveness of the farm is given, it is justified that it has four equally important pillars (economic efficiency, financial capability, adaptability and sustainability), and a hierarchical system is developed to assess its level consisting of adequate criteria, indicators and reference values, and an approach to integration and interpretation. The new evaluation system is being experimented with, using survey information from managers of "typical" farms of different types, production specializations and geographical locations.
The theoretical bases of business models are summarized and an innovative model of competitiveness of agricultural holdings is developed. An approach to assessing market and factor competitiveness has been adapted and tested in the dairy sector. The regional differences in the competitiveness of agriculture in the EU countries have been identified. The competitive positions and forms of management of alternative farms in the conditions of the Kovid pandemic are assessed. The peculiarities in determining the competitiveness of organic farms are highlighted.
The advantages of strategic partnerships and network structures as a tool for increasing the competitiveness of small and medium farms were assessed. The possibilities of the "new" forms of marketing (green, niche, sustainable, etc.) and digitalization to increase the competitiveness of farms are assessed. A regional analysis of agricultural holdings and employees in the South Central region was made. Alternative forms of financing agriculture from banks and leasing companies to improve the competitiveness of farms have been assessed.
Conclusions and recommendations for improving public policies and farming strategies have been prepared.
The performed activity and the achieved results in terms of volume and quality fully correspond (and exceed) the planned for all tasks.
More information can be obtained from the project website https://cfb.alle.bg
