site.bta9th International Scientific Conference on Agrarian Economics Unveiled

The 9th International Scientific Conference "Agrarian Economics - Supporting Agriculture" was unveiled at the Borovets resort (Southwestern Bulgaria) on Tuesday. The two-day event is taking place in a hybrid format (online and in person) under the motto "Agriculture and Food Supply: Markets and Policies".

The conference is organized by the Institute of Agrarian Economics with the Agricultural Academy in partnership with the European Scientific Network for Rural Development (ERDN). 

Agricultural Academy deputy head Prof Violeta Bozhanova read an address on behalf of Academy head Prof Martin Banov who noted the wide diversity of topics to be discussed during the conference, ranging from global challenges and the role of agriculture in overcoming them to the prospects before producers in rural areas to sell local and craft foods. 

Agricultural Attache of the US Embassy in Sofia Alicia Hernandez said that there are no universal solutions in the sector, therefore every approach should be specific to the local region so that it would be effective and produce a long-term result. The approach in the US government and the US Department of Agriculture is multilateral. Farmland is limited and shrinking with the growth of urban areas, but farmers need to produce more to feed more people; all of that is possible only through the application of science and technologies, she noted.

Hernandez added that despite the food security crisis caused by the Russian attack against Ukraine, both the US and the EU remain committed to the topic of agriculture's imprint on climate. In September, the US Department of Agriculture announced the so-called Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity to support farmers and their organizations in implementing climate-adapted/smart practices across the country. In her words, there was such strong interest that the budget was tripled to BGN 3 billion.

America for Bulgaria Foundation Executive Director Desislava Taliokova said that a partnership began nine years ago between the Foundation and the Institute of Agrarian Economics on creating a centre for economic research in agriculture. A series of things are needed to turn a pilot initiative into a sustainable practice, and the centre is an example of that, she added.