Aspects of sustainable functioning of the organic food chain

Dilyana Mitova

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze and evaluate the organic farming sector (OF) in the country, the extent to which this sector meets user requirements, realization of biological products on our and international markets, and to determine priority measures to support the – balanced development of the supply chain of organic food and improve its competitiveness. The study aims to make some conclusions about the main features of organic production in Bulgaria in terms of the benefits of consuming organic foods and their competitive potential, which will build possibilities for Bulgaria to expand its presence in the market for organic goods - internal and external, respectively accumulating effect of possibly promote and support the production and consumption of organic products for the benefit of organic producers and for the health of humans, animals, the environment and society. The object of the analysis is organic production as a whole, trade in organic raw materials and processed products, consumer behavior of organic products in the country. The approach used is based on tracking, comparison and analysis of production of organic products in the country; distribution channels, consumer demand and attitude. The results of the study on the development of organic production provide information on opportunities and interest in this type of production in Bulgaria and on some advantages of the proposed biological products for human health. Results related to consumer demand show the attitude of Bulgarian consumers to organic products and the reasons for this attitude.

Keywords: consumer demand; future development possibilities; organic farming; supply chain of organic food; support measures; sustainable development

Date published: 2017-10-09