Formation of Public Goods by Agriculture in Smolyan District

Dimitre Nikolov, Ivan Boevsky, Peter Borisov, Teodor Radev

Abstract: The production of goods for the market may include aspects of public goods, for example when the production of certain agricultural products or landscapes created by farms are part of a local identity. A kind of public good is the local culture that is often associated with farming. The aim of the study is to assess the provision of agriculture to the formation of public goods and the factors to optimize this process. The finding of the research is that the agricultural sector in Smolyan region is actively involved in the provision of public goods, which are highly appreciated by the local farmers. An important part of the process of provisioning public goods is their proper combination with market goods, which will contribute to gain a competitive advantage of the region. Farmers expect support from public institutions to explore these competitive advantages. In this way, supporting the development of business that has the character of private interest will also maintain the public goods in the region.

Keywords: farmer; food security; scenery; water quality

Date published: 2020-01-14