The forum, organized by the Association of Agricultural Producers in Bulgaria (AZPB), took place at Kazanlak Mineral Baths on March 5-6, 2025. It gathered farmers, experts, and institutions to discuss strategies for the future of Bulgarian agriculture.
The meeting was opened by the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Georgi Tahov, who emphasized the need for unity among all sector participants and urged farmers to work together to tackle challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the country’s agricultural sector.
In an online address, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christoph Hansen, presented the European Commission’s vision for the future of agriculture. He highlighted the importance of flexible policies that consider the diversity of EU agriculture and outlined four key priorities:
✅ An attractive and sustainable sector
✅ Simplification of procedures
✅ Reduction of bureaucracy
✅ Support for rural areas
One of the key highlights of the forum was the management of climate risks and the implementation of carbon farming as part of sustainable solutions in the sector.
A special focus was placed on carbon credits and sustainable agriculture in the presentation panel “Sustainable Land Use and Renewable Energy Investments.”
Mr. Chavdar Marinov, CEO of Carbonsafe™, presented opportunities for real revenue through sustainable practices and the mechanisms by which carbon credits can bring additional financial resources to farmers.
His presentation was highly informative and captured everyone’s attention, emphasizing key points:
📊 Real financial incentives – Farmers can receive up to 56 BGN per decare by participating in the carbon credit program.
💰 Cost optimization – Reducing fertilizer application through laboratory analysis and precise soil resource management.
📊 Increase in yields by 4-5% – Sustainable practices improve soil structure and moisture retention.
💰 Access to the voluntary carbon market – New opportunities for additional income from the European carbon credit market.
💡 Compliance with new European regulations (CRCF) – As of December 27, 2024, the EU introduces new carbon certification standards, opening even greater opportunities for the sector.
These highlights not only attracted attention but also provided a clear understanding of the benefits and opportunities offered by new initiatives in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Marinov received personal congratulations for his impressive presentation, which demonstrated a deep understanding of the topic and a visionary approach to the future of agriculture. He emphasized that Carbonsafe™ is the first Bulgarian program with verified carbon credits, offering a transparent and reliable mechanism for farmers aiming to make their farms more sustainable and profitable. Furthermore, it is the first Bulgarian program for certified carbon credits from soil sequestration, rewarding farmers for implementing sustainable practices through soil analysis and targeted strategies to improve soil health.
The Carbonsafe™ program is emerging as a key tool for the sustainable development of Bulgarian agriculture, providing both environmental and economic benefits for farmers.
The panel also discussed opportunities for integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into agriculture and ways to tackle climate risks.
Panel moderator, attorney Plamen Abrovski, steered the discussion towards the need for a clear legal framework and supporting policies to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices and invest in green energy.
Climate risks stood out as a major challenge for farmers, who called for effective adaptation mechanisms and financial support. The changing climate conditions require new approaches to resource management, soil health, and water reserves to ensure stability and long-term sustainability in the sector.
The forum not only discussed the problems but also laid the groundwork for developing a national position on these key issues. The question is not whether but how Bulgaria will adapt to the new agricultural realities.
Carbonsafe™ was a sponsor of this significant event, actively participating with its presentation booth, where attendees could explore in detail the opportunities offered by the Carbon Farming Program. Experts from the company provided valuable insights into innovations and solutions that support sustainable agriculture and the reduction of carbon emissions in farming.
