Trends in Organic Farming Development in Bulgaria: Applying Circular economy principles to sustainable rural development

The paper examines the development of organic farming in Bulgaria through the viewpoint of its links to circular economy concept and its
potential to contribute to sustainable rural development. The significant increase in the number of organic operators and areas is analyzed in the
context of stable growth in the European sector and worldwide and the increase in consumer demand. Main indicators reported by the Ministry
of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Bulgaria and the support provided by the National Rural Development Program are used to present
the characteristics of organic production and agricultural holdings. The advantages of Bulgaria are underlined as a country offering the necessary
conditions, along with the main problems in production and marketing. Recommendations are provided for organic sector encouragement as
a sustainable business model and an entrepreneurial initiative for sustainable rural development putting a special accent on networking and
capacity building activities in connection to potential solutions and policy development.