Main agricultural pollution sources in Bulgaria storage of manure storage of fertilizers and plant protection materials use of fertilizers and plant protection materials Irrigation soil cultivation

Current situation for manure management After the restructuring of the Bulgarian agriculture the farm structure was changed and a lot of family farms appeared. Although there was a decrease in the livestock numbers the new farmers do not possess the necessary skill and funds to manage manure properly. The thickness of the soil surface where the hard wastes are stored is not always 0.5 m. Therefore attention is given on the support of the: creation of manure pits and platforms (SAPARD programme and FTSF), and facilities for storing the hard and liquid wastes. training of farmers

Current use of fertilizers, manure and plant protection materials In the most cases the fertilizers and the plant protection materials are stored in closed premises on a cement base

Current use of fertilizers, manure and plant protection materials (1) the usage of fertilizers and manure is not always done in the prescribed period of the good farming practice due to the lack of funds no over dosage of fertilizers usage is observed. Some cases are noted mainly in the vegetables growing. However this might change in the future the conventional practice is to use mainly nitrogen fertilizers the liquid organic wastes are not treated and used no over dosage of plant protection materials use is observed. However the common practice is to use plant protection materials that have expired term of usage.

Current use of fertilizers, manure and plant protection materials (2) Therefore attention is given to the: creation of codes of good farming practices and support to the farmers for introducing them support to the organic farming and environmentally friendly practices and activities stopping the subsidies for purchase of fertilizers recommendations for the balanced fertilization and proper use of plant protection materials

Present situation for irrigation and soil cultivation Irrigation the percentage of irrigated area is very low (except for vegetable growing and a part of the orchards) Attention should be given to the use of drop irrigation systems Soil cultivation in most of the cases good soil cultivation practices are not followed Attention should be given to crop rotation, fore crops, additional soil cultivation etc.

Development of CoGFP It is based on 3 key elements: Environmental Legislation – obligatory for all of the farmers in Bulgaria Verifiable Standards of Good Farming Practice – obligatory for all farmers participating in the agri- environmental schemes Additional recommendations for the Protection of Water – recommended for all farmers participating in the schemes, but not obligatory.

Good Farming Practice Three areas have been identified from the existing environmental legislation relating to agriculture: Water Pollution Land Use and Soil Fertility Designated Sites and Natural Objects

Water pollution (1) Farmers are prohibited from storing or disposing of pesticides within 20 metres of a river bank, stream, lake, water reservoir or seashore Farmers are prohibited from constructing a new cattle shed or storing manure within 20 metres of a river bank, stream, lake, water reservoir or seashore

Water pollution (2) Farmers are prohibited from disposing of any surplus manure, fertilisers, pesticides or other farm wastes (e.g. tractor oil) directly into any drainage ditch, river or stream channel, lake, water reservoir or abandoned well. Farmers are prohibited from applying any fertiliser or organic manure in the sanitary protection zone around water sources used for communal drinking water.

Land use and soil quality Farmers must only use chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are approved by competent state bodies Farmers must not use water for irrigation that is polluted with excessive levels of harmful substances and wastes Farmers are prohibited from using agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes without the permission of MAF

Land use and soil quality Farmers must apply the animal manure produced on the farm to their agricultural land in order to maintain and restore soil fertility. The in excess manure should be stored without any danger for soil and water pollution Farmers must report any obvious pollution problem affecting the quality and safety of soil and water to the appropriate authority (regional MAF or MoEW office) Where pesticides are used, farmers must follow all recommendations and regulations for their application and disposal.

Introduction of protection legislation The government, especially the Minister of Environment and Waters, the Minister of Public Health, the Minister of agriculture and forestry are responsible for the implementation of the soil and water protection related legislation Ministries have adopted ordinance of protection of waters ORDINANCE No 2 concerning the protection of waters from nitrate pollution originating from agricultural sources

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (1) Prepares and validates: Codes for good agricultural practice Programs for training and information of farmers Prepares and together with the Minister of Environment and Waters validates: Programs for limitation and elimination of pollution and organizes control of their implementation

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (2) Prepares and provides to the Minister of Environment and Waters information concerning: good agricultural practice nitrate contents in the waters intended for irrigation conditions for the determination of sensible areas

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (3) Prepares and provides to the Minister of Environment and Waters and the Minister of Public health information concerning the agricultural practice on the territory of sanitary security areas around the water sources, facilities for water consumption supply and mineral water sources used for healing, prophylactic, drinking and hygienic purposes, as well as concerning the implementation of programs limitation and elimination of pollution Entrusts the development of water monitoring programs, included in the programs for pollution limitation and elimination

MEASURE 1.3 DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND ACTIVITIES (NARDP) It was adopted by the European Commission on 9 April 2003

ALL THE FARMERS PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME MUST ADOP THE BASIC APACKAGE PLUS ONE OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY PACKAGES AGRIENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING MAINTENANCE OF SEMINATURAL HABITATS  high mountainous/ pastures  wetlands  others SUPPORT TO ANTIEROSION PRACTICES ORGANIC FARMING ENDANGERED LOCAL BREEDS DEMONSTRATION AND DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS  COMPLIANCE WITH CODES OF GOOD FARMING PRACTICE  BASIC AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING  WHOLE FARM AGRI ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN  KEEPING OF FARM RECORDS AND FARM ACCOUNTS

TWINNING PROJECT “Support to pre-accession strategy of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Ministry of Environment and Water in the Field of Agri- environment”

Project Scope (1) Finalization of the harmonization of the Bulgarian legislation with the EU legislation and EU practice, according to the requirements of the Directive 91/676/EEC (Nitrate Directive) in the field of Good Agricultural Practice and the Code for Good Agricultural Practice implemented. Harmonization of the Bulgarian legislation with the EU legislation and EU practice according to the requirements of the Regulation 1257/99 and 445/2002 (agri-environment and rural development legislation)

Project Scope (2) Strengthened agri-economic capacity to establish area related payment calculation methods regarding the agri-environmental schemes. A monitoring and control system for Agri- environmental measures, the Code for Good Agricultural Practice and the Rural Development Measures according to the EU requirements

Introduction of organic farming legislation The government, especially the Ministry of agriculture and forestry is responsible for the implementation of organic farming legislation

Ordinances Adopted on Organic Production ORDINANCE No 22 on organic production of plants, plant products and foodstuffs of plant origin and indications referring thereto on them. ORDINANCE No 35 on organic production of livestock, livestock products and foodstuffs of animal origin and indications referring thereto on them.

SGS – Bulgaria The first national certifying body, approved on 15 July 2003 by the Commission of organic agriculture The address of the company is: 1504 Sofia 25 A “Tzar Osvoboditel” Blvd., P.O.Box 143 Manager: Levcho Borisov phone/fax: (02) ; (02)

Thank you for your attention! Snezhka Delcheva Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Agri-Environment Department Phone: / Fax: