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The concept of this report is based on the fact that for many years small farms have been important for the survival of rural areas and have a socio-economic function, namely providing income, employment and food for families for whom agriculture is their only livelihood. For many years we have witnessed the desolation of Bulgarian villages. The COVID-19 pandemic has led many people to flee the bustling city and seek more peace and clean production on the small farm. It has been proven that the personal farm and the connection of generations of Bulgarians with agriculture is related to solving crisis periods in the life of the population. Whether the 2027 CAP will become more social is a matter of scientific, socioeconomic and political interest. Through a wide range of modern research methods, such as representative results of comprehensive censuses of agricultural holdings over different periods of time, structural surveys, results of empirical sociological research, desk research, Internet sources, graphical method, etc., we prove that in times of crisis phenomena, the small farm is proving to be a stabilizing factor for both food producers and consumers. Returning part of the younger generation to active farming will recognize the paramount importance of small farms for sustainable rural development, especially in the areas of social, cultural and environmental activities, as well as the promotion of healthy lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, there has been a deterioration of the age structure in the agricultural sector and an insignificant share of young farmers. The negative trends in recent years raise concerns about the future food security and competitiveness of the agriculture. The purpose of the survey is based on the analysis of the structural changes of young farmers to draw conclusions and recommendations on the possibilities to increase their role and importance in Bulgarian agriculture. The research approach includes various methods: analysis, synthesis, deduction and induction. Applied are a comparative, monographic, abstract-logical, graphical method, method of analytical groups, a method of average values, statistical methods of research and analysis. The study indicates that there is a number of challenges that have to be overcome. Negative processes not only in Bulgaria but almost in all EU Member States, require consistent and targeted action in order to support young producers and increase the attractiveness of farm activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]