The Law on Support for Agricultural Producers is the main pillar in the implementation of direct payments

An advisory system in agriculture and greater authority for the Minister of Agriculture and Food to issue ordinances in the area of the CAP.

On Friday, February 6, 2015, the parliament adopted at second reading amendments to the Law on Support for Agricultural Producers. The novelties cover the implementation of the mechanisms of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy in Bulgaria. The changes will guarantee the establishment and functioning of a Paying Agency and an Integrated Control System, related to the direct payment schemes for the upcoming programming period.

The amendments to the law are expected to ensure the qualitative implementation of direct payment schemes, the successful preparation, approval, and implementation of the RDP for the 2014-2020 period, the maximum absorption of the country's financial package for direct payments, the development of rural areas, and an increase in the competitiveness of agricultural production in the country and in the incomes of agricultural producers.

The creation of an Advisory System in Agriculture has been approved, which includes the National Advisory Service under the relevant minister and persons providing advice to farmers.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food will issue ordinances for the implementation of EU regulations in the area of the CAP without the need to amend the Law on Support for Agricultural Producers. Provisions reflecting judicial practice regarding the delegation of powers and the publication of beneficiary data are also planned for the 2015-2020 period. All decisions of the State Fund "Agriculture" will be published online on the websites of the Fund and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food for greater accessibility.

The concept of an "active farmer" is introduced to reduce the speculative element in receiving agricultural aid.