The Impact of the Common Agricultural Policy on Economic Growth and Sustainable Development of Rural Areas

147th Seminar of the European Association of Agricultural Economists in Sofia on Plant Protection

On October 7-8, 2015, the Institute of Agricultural Economics at the Agricultural Academy and the University of Bologna, Italy, jointly organized the annual seminar of the European Association of Agricultural Economists in the city of Sofia. The forum was held in our country for the second time since 2004, with the participation of scientists, state experts, and representatives of European institutions from a total of 16 countries. The seminar's theme was closely linked to the European Union's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its contribution to the sustainable development of rural areas. The event was opened by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Assoc. Prof. Georgi Kostov, who emphasized that policymakers need science to shape their governance decisions for sustainable agriculture. The dynamic changes in society and nature require an in-depth analysis of the instruments for agricultural development in Europe, Minister Kostov added. Participants were welcomed by the President of the Agricultural Academy, Prof. Dr. Totka Trifonova, who stated that the scientific analysis of the CAP is important for the quality of life of our farmers, as it will answer the question of what needs to be done to improve the condition of rural areas. Special lecturers at the seminar were Dr. Tassos Haniotis, Director in the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission; Prof. Dr. Sophia Davidova from the University of Kent, UK; Prof. Dr. Davide Viaggi from the University of Bologna, Italy; Dr. Pavel Ciaian from the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies of the European Commission, Spain; and Prof. Dr. Plamen Mishev from the University of National and World Economy, Bulgaria. Five plenary and 16 thematic reports were presented, as well as 12 posters in four main thematic areas:

• Structural changes and productivity in agriculture;
• Sustainable development of rural areas;
• Innovations in agriculture and the environment;
• Inter-sectoral linkages and the multiplier effect of agriculture and related industries.

Participants shared local experiences with the new CAP instruments, such as the direct payment schemes and the greening component. An in-depth analysis was made of investments in agriculture during the first programming period of the CAP and forecasts for the current period. Observed changes in the structure of family farms and agricultural cooperatives were discussed. The role of the innovative greening component and the natural resources of ecosystems was also emphasized.

Among the organizations that provided financial support for the event was Syngenta Bulgaria Ltd. The company has a clearly expressed position in support of CAP instruments for the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity. This is one of the 6 commitments that Syngenta undertook on a global scale in 2014 through its Good Growth Plan – to help biodiversity flourish. The company's goal is, by supporting scientific research and analyses, to help agricultural producers create diverse, rich habitats for pollinators and other natural fauna, thereby preserving and enriching the rural landscape and ensuring the sustainability of populations. Supporting such scientific events is another step in adapting the company's global program to the local conditions of Bulgaria.