Production and Supply of Regional Food Products - Incentives and Challenges for the Small Holdings in Bulgaria

There are numerous studies investigating consumers` behaviour that indicate strong and increasing interest in buying local food products. Such products are subject of extensive discussions in society but although regulated at European level, certain difficulties exist in Bulgaria concerning their legal status, requirements for production and supply. With this paper we set up the aim to analyze the current situation on the Bulgarian market regarding the opportunities for supply and demand of regional products, according to the relevant legal documents. The role of short food chains is discussed considering their importance for the development of small holdings. Suggestions are made for reconsidering the national legislation and solving some of the difficulties for the small family farms in their attempts to provide local food products.