THE NEW CAP IN BULGARIA: (MISSED) OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH NATURE VALUE FARMING?

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation is one of the key global challenges. The interaction between biodiversity and agriculture is varied and often - negative. High Nature Value farming is the exception with positive synergy, and the CAP prioritizes its support. The Bulgarian agri-environmental measure has targeted support schemes for High Nature Value farmlands since 2006. In 2020, the European Commission indicated that Bulgaria is among the member states with the highest loss of these type of farmlands in the EU. The main aim of the paper is to examine the extent to which the programming of the new CAP in Bulgaria addresses the risk of continued loss of High Nature Value farmlands and includes adequate support measures and schemes. Recommendations for the improvement of the CAP Strategic plan in Bulgaria are also developed.