Approach to assessing the competitiveness of agricultural holdings in Bulgaria

Nina Koteva, Minka Anastasova-Chopeva, Hrabrin Bachev

Abstract: The aim of the study is to define the category, develop a methodological approach and assess the competitiveness of agricultural holdings in Bulgaria. Methods used: Principal Components Method; analytical method; method of statistical groupings; graphical method, variation analysis, comparative analysis, descriptive analysis, etc. In theoretical-methodological, methodological and practical-applied aspect the main issues of the competitiveness of agricultural holdings are considered. Based on a critical review of the scientific literature, a working definition of the competitiveness of agricultural holdings has been proposed. A holistic approach to assessing the competitiveness of agricultural holdings in Bulgaria has been developed. A system of criteria is substantiated and a system of adequate indicators for their measurement is proposed. An integral indicator is derived -
an index of competitiveness, which allows for comparisons of different types of agricultural holdings.
An assessment of the level of competitiveness of agricultural holdings with different specialization in Bulgaria has been made. The results show that the overall competitiveness of agricultural holdings in the country is at an average level. There are some differences in the level of competitive-ness between farms of different specialisation. Above average is the level of competitiveness of farms specialized in pigs, poultry and rabbits; followed by those in field crops and vegetable farms. Below the average level is the competitiveness of farms specialized in the cultivation of perennial crops and those with grazing animals.

Keywords: agricultural holdings; agriculture; Bulgaria; competitiveness

Date published: 2021-05-16