Possibilities for agroforestry development in Bulgaria: Outlooks and limitations

Current conditions in Bulgaria are favorable for the development of agroforestry due to socio-economic incentives and environmental necessities. As a scientific theory and practice, agroforestry is less familiar than other farming systems in Bulgaria. Hence, to ensure successful agroforestry development in Bulgaria, four necessary movements (or collective national ‘moments’) are described here: (1) wide-scale popularization of agroforesty's fundamental tenets, including its nature as a production system, types of agroforestry systems, structural components, methods for design, construction, maintenance and management, advantages and disadvantages and possible applications in Bulgaria; (2) a comprehensive research program on agroforestry, in areas such as high-tech selection of plant and animal species suitable for agroforestry technologies (including cultivation of lesser-known indigenous species that may be better suited to local conditions), studies of how to balance the biophysical interactions of agroforestry species to optimize and conserve natural recourses (e.g., sunlight, soil, water, microclimate), knowledge of best cultural practices (e.g., fertilization, irrigation, IPM) and economic analyses of various agroforestry systems; (3) education and preparation of interdisciplinary specialists for the development of this new economic direction; (4) realization of government policies to enhance and encourage the development of agroforestry in ways that are economically appropriate for the nation. These policies should include long-term development strategies, national and regional program plans and structures, financial incentives (loans, subsidies, tax reductions, ensuring production sales, awards, etc.) and establishment of agroforestry demonstration sites.