Analysis of strategic factors for small farms development in Bulgaria

Petar Borisov, Teodor Radev, Dimitre Nikolov

Abstract: The majority of Bulgarian farms is regarded as small in size (up to 4,000 euro standard output). These farms play an important economic and social role in rural development. Determining the major factors for their future development can reveal what kind of adequate government support is need. The purpose of this study is to analyze the strengths/weaknesses of small farms and identify opportunities and threats to their future development. By the method of focus groups is constructed a detailed SWOT- matrix, which reveals all factors for future development of farms. This matrix is used as an expert card and is evaluated by each farmer participant in the focus groups. The main hypothesis that defends this approach is that the owners of small farms are most interested and motivated to identify the factors for development of their farms. The results of the study indicating that the business environment provides suitable conditions for establishment of small farms as producers of organic products protected with its own brand.

Keywords: small farms; strategic orientation; SWOT

Date published: 2017-10-03