REVIEW OF THE SPECIFIC MEASURES FOR SUPPORT OF THE AUTOCHTHONOUS BREEDS IN BULGARIA

Abstract

The measures for support of 22 autochthonous breeds in Bulgaria are reviewed. It isconcluded, that as a whole the support is more effective in the mountainous andsemi-mountainous regions, where the opportunities for alternative agriculture aresmaller. The numerous funding prerequisites and administrative formalities are someof the main obstacles to the inclusion of more farmers in the support programmes,and a hurdle to the change of the population trends in positive direction. A seriousrestriction is the requirement for pastures for herbivorous animals in the planeregions with intensive agriculture. In conclusion it is mentioned that the support forpreservation of the local autochthonous breeds should be bound only withrequirements for retaining the number of the animals and their rearing in traditionalfor the breed conditions.