Online Version ISSN: 1314-412X

December 2012Volume 4, Number 4

2012

Scope and policy of the journalAgricultural Science and Technology /AST/ – an International Scientific Journal of Agricultural and Technology Sciences is published in English in one volume of 4 issues per year, as a printed journal and in electronic form. The policy of the journal is to publish original papers, reviews and short communications covering the aspects of agriculture related with life sciences and modern technologies. It will offer opportunities to address the global needs relating to food and environment, health, exploit the technology to provide innovative products and sustainable development. Papers will be considered in aspects of both fundamental and applied science in the areas of Genetics and Breeding, Nutrition and Physiology, Production Systems, Agriculture and Environment and Product Quality and Safety. Other categories closely related to the above topics could be considered by the editors. The detailed information of the journal is available at the website. Proceedings of scientific meetings and conference reports will be considered for special issues.

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All manuscript written in English should be submitted as MS-Word file attachments via e-mail to ascitech@uni-sz.bg. Manuscripts must be prepared strictly in accordance with the detailed instructions for authors at the website http://www.uni-sz.bg/ascitech/index.html and the instructions on the last page of the journal. For each manuscript the signatures of all authors are needed confirming their consent to publish it and to nominate on author for correspondence.They have to be presented by a submission letter signed by all authors. The form of the submission letter is available upon from request from the Technical Assistance or could be downloaded from the website of the journal. All manuscripts are subject to editorial review and the editors reserve the right to improve style and return the paper for rewriting to the authors, if necessary. The editorial board reserves rights to reject manuscripts based on priorities and space availability in the journal.

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Address of Editorial office:Agricultural Science and Technology Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University Student's campus, 6000 Stara Zagora BulgariaTelephone.: +359 42 699330 +359 42 699446http://www.uni-sz.bg/ascitech/index.html

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Editor-in-Chief

Tsanko YablanskiFaculty of AgricultureTrakia University, Stara ZagoraBulgaria

Co-Editor-in- Chief

Radoslav SlavovFaculty of AgricultureTrakia University, Stara ZagoraBulgaria

Editors and Sections

Genetics and Breading

Atanas Atanasov (Bulgaria)Ihsan Soysal (Turkey)Max Rothschild (USA)Stoicho Metodiev (Bulgaria)

Nutrition and Physiology

Nikolai Todorov (Bulgaria)Peter Surai (UK)Zervas Georgios (Greece)Ivan Varlyakov (Bulgaria)

Production Systems

Dimitar Pavlov (Bulgaria)Dimitar Panaiotov (Bulgaria)Banko Banev (Bulgaria)Georgy Zhelyazkov (Bulgaria)

Agriculture and Environment

Georgi Petkov (Bulgaria)Ramesh Kanwar (USA)

Product Quality and Safety

Marin Kabakchiev (Bulgaria)Stefan Denev (Bulgaria)Vasil Atanasov (Bulgaria)

English Editor

Yanka Ivanova (Bulgaria)

2012

Volume 4, Number 4December 2012

Online Version ISSN: 1314-412X

Review

Organic farming, organic animal husbandry and organic products

І. Varlyakov*

Department of Morphology, Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Abstract. The review analyses the state and trends for development of organic farming and animal husbandry and organic animal production in particular. The theoretical and legal background – definitions, principles, standards, registers, regulations of organic production in the EC and in our country; the requirements to organic farming including feeds, rearing conditions, breeds, treatments etc.; the prohibitions related to organic animal husbandry are reviewed. A detailed discussion is made on labelling, former and new EC organic logos, the general code number format and the rules regulating the format and function of these codes. The organic animal husbandry in Bulgaria is also reviewed with emphasis on legal initiatives, legal background, market potential, problems faced by producers, future prospects. It is anticipated that in the near future, a decline in the realisation of organic products would occur due to economic and subjective reasons. If prices of foods are mainly determined by free market competition, this would result in a negative impact on the environment and on animal welfare in particular. Only the active national policy and protection EU policies would defend the interests of producers of organic product and public interest in general.

Keywords: organic farming, organic animal husbandry, organic product, standards

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, VOL. 4, No 4, pp 339 - 348, 2012

Organic farming – definitions and principlesIntroductionThere are many definitions for organic farming with difference of

no legal importance. The international Federation of Organic Organic farming is a sector of European agriculture which has Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) works with a schedule for seen a constant growth in recent years. Put simply, organic farming accreditation of private and public certification authorities in order to is an agricultural system that seeks to provide the consumers, with reach equivalence of standards about export production. Organic fresh, tasty and authentic food while respecting natural life-cycle agriculture is a legally set standard for certification of farms in the EC systems. To achieve this, organic farming relies on a number of and the USA. The Council Regulation 1804/99, referring to organic objectives and principles, as well as common practices designed to livestock produce, took effect in August 2000. The United Kingdom minimise the human impact on the environment, while ensuring the Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS) has set the principal agricultural system operates as naturally as possible.standards for organic animal produce in the UK based on EC One of the greatest challenges for Bulgaria in the process of regulations. A farm is approved by certification organs, which are economic restructuring is to balance the sufficient production of food also responsible for the annual control. These organs could and the increase of the employment rate with preventive protection elaborate their own standards in case that they are more restrictive of the environment. Organic farming as well as other integrated that those of UKROFS and/or EC regulations.agrienvironmental practices directly contribute to sustainability of

The organic farming is renowned for the responsible use of the rural development in Bulgaria. They might lead to stabilization of energy and natural resources, maintenance of biodiversity and of ecosystems, preservation and restoration of natural resources, local ecological balance, the preservation and improvement of soil prevention of land abandonment. The expected development of fertility, application of animal welfare principles with special attention agricultural sector resulting from the support by the EU policies and to their behavioural needs. According to the National plan for programs may lead to intensification and corresponding soil development of organic farming in Bulgaria developed in degradation. Organic farming contributes for income stabilization of compliance with the EC plan for organic foods and organic farming the farmers by opening of new and developing markets for their from 2004, the most plausible definition of organic farming is that of healthy and quality products and contributes for reducing the Codex Alimentarius of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) unemployment in rural areas. This fact is accentuated also in The and the World Health Organisation (WHO) according to which European Action Plan for Organic Food and Farming (C308E, 2006; organic agriculture is ".. holistic production management systems C279E, 2009). Bulgaria has favorable conditions for organic which promotes and enhances agroecosystem health, including farming development and there is a chance the country to take its biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity...". This place in the still existing niche of organic farming products demand in definition emphasises the use of management practices instead of the EU and worldwide. According to Petkov and Kostadinova (2012) external inputs, taking into consideration that regional conditions Bulgarian organic farming has a good future because of the following requires locally adjusted systems. This is achieved, where possible, prerequisites: a EU policy for the development of organic farming, by implementation of agronomic, biological and physicomechanical acting National plan for development of organic farming in Bulgaria, methods as opposed to synthetic materials for realisation of a developed regulations for organic products and expanding market. specific function within the system's framework (National plan for

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* e-mail: ivanvar@uni-sz.bg

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development of organic farming in Bulgaria in 2007–2013). behavior such as walking or grazing on pastures is also mandatory. Typical organic farming practices include: A compulsory condition for organic produce is the compliance to �Wide crop rotation as a prerequisite for an efficient use of on- respective standards about organic products. The requirements to

site resources organic products are summarized in several national normative acts �Very strict limits on chemical synthetic pesticide and which pertain particularly to plant production. The main changes in

synthetic fertiliser use, livestock antibiotics, food additives and the regulations are related to the EC membership of Bulgaria and the processing aids and other inputs need for harmonization of Bulgarian legislation to the European one,

� Absolute prohibition of the use of genetically modified including some specific requirements to organic produce.organisms

Analysis of EU legislative framework for organic agriculture and � Taking advantage of on-site resources, such as livestock productionmanure for fertiliser or feed produced on the farm

In the EU, these rules are laid down in Council Regulation (EC) � Choosing plant and animal species that are resistant to No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling disease and adapted to local conditionsof/or organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 � Raising livestock in free-range, open-air systems and which has been amended since then by Council Regulation (EC) No providing them with organic feed967/2008 of 29 September 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No � Using animal husbandry practices appropriate to different 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products. In livestock speciesthe amendment the Commission postpones the obligatory use of the The organic product (bio product) is a term designating an EU organic logo on all pre-packaged organic food and the indication agricultural product intended for consumption and produced in a of the origin of the agricultural ingredients which has to accompany biological way. The organic production excludes the use of any kind the logo until 1 July 2010. More detailed rules on organic production, of artificial additives, enhancers and genetically modified organisms. processing, distribution, labelling and controls have been adopted in Unlike the so-called natural products, the requirements to organic the following EC regulations: Commission Regulation (EC) No products are rather more restrictive, prohibiting the use of any 889/2008 of 5 September 2008 laying down detailed rules for the artificial enhancers and ingredients not only during products' implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic processing, but also during raw material production, as well as production and labelling of organic products with regard to organic special requirements to the products' environment set in the production, labelling and control. This regulation has been amended respective legislation (Production, distribution and consumption of since then with new rules on organic yeast production by organic products in Bulgaria – results from a marketing study, 2009, Commission Regulation (EC) No 1254/2008 of 15 December 2008 Vitosha Research, Sofia). In the report, organic products are divided amending Regulation (EC) 889/2008 laying down detailed rules for into two main groups – foods and non-foods. According to the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic handbook of the organic product consumer published by the Time production and labelling of organic products with regard to organic foundation and the Bulgarian National Association of Consumers, production and labelling of organic products with regard to organic the organic food is a product of organic farming, produced and production, labelling and control. New rules on organic aquaculture processed without using synthetic (technological) substances such and seaweeds are going to follow.as synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, growth

The official recognition of organic agriculture in the 15 EC promoters, as well as food additives (preservatives, colorings, member states was finalised in 1991, when the European Council of artificial sweeteners) and processing adjuvants. The production of Agricultural Ministers approved Council Regulation 2092/91 for organic foods excludes the use of GMO and their derivatives. The organic production of agricultural products and their labelling production of these products is performed according to the (initially, only for plant products). In 1999, regulations for animal requirements of specific standards and is a subject of control from products were introduced whereas in 2000 an appendix regulates the part of certifying organs, both public and/or private the problem with the European logo for organic products labelling. (independent). Due to the numerous amendments and the impossibility for practical The requirements to non-food organic production are the same use, it was repealed by Council Regulation 834/2007. It took effect as for foods. They could be produced by processing of organic since January 1, 2009 and was supposed to create a common products without using artificial enhancers (colorings, stabilizers and framework of the EC with organic produce rules pertaining to all other chemical substances). Examples for such products are stages of distribution, control and labelling of organic products essential oils, organic cosmetic products, organic clothing etc. A marketed on the EC territory. Apart from living or unprocessed synonym term used in several EC countries is "ecological product" products, processed agricultural products intended for whereas the Anglo-Saxon world has adopted the term "organic consumption, feeds and seeding material, the Regulation is also product". The exact term as per the National legislation is "biological valid for aquaculture, yeasts, gathering of wild plants and algae. The product" and the use of terms "ecological", "organic", "eco-" following principles of organic production are set in the Regulation:including written in Latin, is an infringement of the Law on the

�sustaining and enhancing the bioactivity and the natural soil implementation of common market organizations of agricultural fertility;products of the European Union and should therefore be punished.

�plant nourishing exclusively through the soil ecosystem;The organic rearing of animals or organic animal husbandry �reduction to a minimum of non-renewable resources and means rearing breeds, adapted to the local conditions using

external inputs;production systems close to the natural life style, which reduce �recycling of wastes and by-products of plant and animal stress and guarantee a good health. The animals are fed organically

origin;produced feeds, the application of growth promoters is prohibited �taking consideration for local and regional ecological and that of antibiotics – as little as possible. The ratio between the

balance;number of animals and arable land is also subject of a strict control. �protection of plant and animal health by selection of disease- The provision of a sufficient area for manifestation of the natural

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and pest-resistant species and breeds, application of appropriate "All terms as organic, bio, eco etc. including terms used in trade production systems, utilisation of mechanical and physical methods marks or practices used in advertising materials which could mislead for protection from pests; the consumers suggestion that the product or its ingredients are

�application of area-adapted and related to the land animal compliant to the requirements of this Regulation, could not be used husbandry; to label non-organic products" Also, an organic product could not be

�using animal production practices which include regular labeled to indicate that it contains also GMO. movement and access to open spaces and pastures; For giving more confidence in the authenticity of organic

�use of organic feeds only in animal nutrition; products, the Regulation requires all products labeled as organic, to �maintenance of the biodiversity of natural aquatic indicate the name of the last operator on the production-delivery

ecosystems in aquaculture. chain, e.g. the name of the producer, processing company or the The use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and ionised provider, as well as the name or code of the controlling organ. The

radiation are prohibited. EC logo for labeling organic products as well as the alternatives Specific principles for livestock production are: logos adopted in the member states exist to further warrant the �animals should be reared in organic farms; "organic" label and to increase the visibility of the organic product for �animals should have a constant access to open air spaces; consumers, in order to make it easily recognizable. Buying products �the number of animals at the farm is restricted in order to with the EC organic product logo, consumers could be confident

prevent overgrazing and pasture contamination by excess manure; that:�animals are offered organic feeds, and young mammals – �at least 95% of product ingredients which are of agricultural

maternal milk; origin, are made organically; �the use of hormones and growth promoters is not allowed; �the product is compliant to the requirements of the official �the use of allopathic veterinary drugs and antibiotics is schedule of control;

permitted only in exceptional cases and is strictly regulated. �the product comes directly from the producer or the The production of aquaculture, seaweeds, apiculture, feed processing enterprise in an intact package;

production, processed foods production and yeasts is also �the product carries the name of the producer, the processing regulated. enterprise or the provider and the name/code of the control authority.

The live or non-processed products could be labelled as The use of the EC organic product logo for packed foods is organic when they are produced in compliance with the Regulation, mandatory from July 1, 2010. It is optional for foods, imported after and processed foods are labelled as organic when at least 95% of that time. The entry into force of the new Regulation requires their agricultural ingredients are organic. Packed food producers specifying the place, where the agricultural ingredients were should label the product with the organic production logo of the produced. This information could specify as place of origin "ЕС" or Community, the code number of the supervising or controlling organ "non-ЕС", or a specific state inside or outside the EC. To export and the site where the agricultural raw sources come from. organic products in a member state other that the producer, often an Commission Regulation 967/2008 amends Regulation 834/2007 – additional logo is required – familiar to the importer's market. The postponing the mandatory use of the community organic logo and introduction of the organic product logo which is recognised information about the origin of agricultural ingredients of pack foods throughout the EC, this would not be necessary. until 1 July 2010. After the period of transition to organic produce is over,

producers and processors are still eligible to a thorough annual control including:The old and the new organic EC logo

�control on documentation about purchases and sales, The EC logo for labelling of organic products and the labelling animal health records etc.;principles allow consumers of organic foods to be confident in what

�possibly sample collection;they receive, e.g. to be sure that the organic product is really organic. �control on conditions of indoor and outdoor animal rearing;The logo was developed to give a full confidence for compliance of �control on storehouses, fields, orchards, greenhouses and the respective product with EC regulations for organic produce, or in

pastures.case of imported products that they are made as per identical or Additional inspections and site visits could be performed in case equivalent rules. In the EC framework, the production and marketing

when a given operator is believed to pose a risk. of organic products with organic logo and label is strictly regulated.Each member state of the EC has an established system of The producers of the so called conventional agricultural

control and specific official and/or approved private organs of products should first pass through at least 2-year period of transition control, which are entitled to conduct the control and certification of to organic agriculture before they could be offer on the market organic produce. In case of non-compliance, the certificate for products consistent with the adjective "organic". In case they will to organic produce could be taken away while the right of the produce simultaneously conventional and organic production, the producer/processor to sell organic products – annulled. two activities should be strictly differentiated in every stage of the

The new organic logo is the second certifying symbol of EC production. The EC regulations require from producers and organic products. The first one was introduced by the end of the processors to adhere strictly to respective rules. To ensure that, they 1990s. From 1 July 2010 onward, the old logo is no more valid are subject to control from private or public organs of control. although it could appear on some products remaining on the delivery Producers having successfully passed through the procedures of chain. The logo of the EC organic produce is formed by two symbols control, receive a certificate and the right to label their products as – the official EC flag, official symbol of the community since 1986 and organic. The regulation contains stringent rules about product a leaf, symbol of maturity and sustainability (Figure 1). The labeling and use of the organic logo to prevent the consumers' combination creates a unique visual element, which is at the same insecurity about which product is organic and to reduce the potential time attractive and of comprehensible. The EC organic logo was for fake products marketing. implemented by Commission Regulation 271/2010 of 24 March

Figure 1. EC organic logo

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2010. Its use is also determined by art. 57 of Commission Regulation Code numbers are made public using all appropriate technical 889/2008. means, including upload on the Internet (EC Official Gazette,

The changed EC organic logo effective as of 1 July 2010 should 31.03.2010, L 84/19-22). Products imported from third countries not cause any trouble on the market and should allow the products, could be offered on the EC markets as organic product provided that already on the shelves, to be sold without the mandatory symbols they are produced and controlled under identical or equivalent required by Commission Regulation 834/2007, provided that they conditions. are compliant to Commission Regulations 2092/91 or 834/2007. To In 2008, the Commission Regulation 889/2008 was adopted. It allow the use of the logo immediately after it becomes mandatory as laid down the detailed rules for the implementation of Council per EC legislation, to ensure efficient internal market functioning, to Regulation (EC) 834/2007 which took effect from 1 January 2009 guarantee loyal competition and to protect the interests of and referred to all levels of organic plant and animal production, consumers, it was registered as collective trade mark of organic processing and marketing of organic foods and their control. Some farming in the Intellectual Property Office of the Benelux and details are directly related to animal husbandry. consequently, it is in force, could be used and is protected. The logo �The cases when the import of animals reared non-is also registered in the Community and international registers. organically in organic farms is allowed – high mortality due to

disease, disasters, and no possibilities for finding animals reared organically. The maximum age of animals from different species, eligible for import, is stated;

�The annual stock density of animals per hectare is determined by the requirement for amount of manure < 170 kg nitrogen/ha cultivable land per year;

�Up to 30% of compound feed could contain ingredients, produced in conditions of transition to organic produce; however, when the feed produced in conditions of transition originates from the same farm, the share could attain 60%;

�Apiaries should be located in a way such that the crops within a radius of 3 km should be organic or the vegetation should be natural, ecologically pure;

�The control periods are also regulated: the supervisor or control body performs a physical monitoring of all operators at least once per year; in case of doubt about use of forbidden products, a sample for analysis could be collected. More frequent planned or

According to art. 25, para 3 of Commission Regulation accidental checks could be made on the basis of risk analysis.834/2007 the organic production EC logo follows the model The annexes to Commission Regulation 889/2008 refer to:specified in part A of Annex XI to Regulation (ЕС) 271/2010. Art. 48 of

�Fertilizers, soil enhancers and pesticides, approved for Regulation (ЕC) 889/2008 states that the code number of the control organic farming purposes; body or authority should be placed immediately under the

�The requirements for minimum indoor and outdoor area Community symbol, without special information about the format according to the animal species and age; and the function of the code. With regard to the more harmonised

�The maximum number of animals per hectare according to application, detailed rules about the code format and application the species; should be provided.

�The non-organic plant feeds, allowed for use, animal feeds, The general code number format is AB-CDE-999 where: mineral feeds, feed additives and some other substances used in 1. „АВ“ is the ISO state code where the control is exerted as per animal nutrition;

art. 58, para 1 (а), �Products for cleaning and disinfection etc.

2. „CDE“ letters established by the EC or each member state From 1 January 2009, Commission Regulation 1235/2008 from (e.g. „bio“ or „öko“, or „org“, or „eko“) which refers to the method of 8 December 2008 laying down detailed rules for application of organic production as per art. 58, para 1(a), Council Regulation 834/2007 about the import of organic products

3. „999“– 3-digit (maximum) reference number assigned as per from third states also took effect. A list of eligible countries is given in art, 58, para 1(b) by: Annex III of the Regulation – Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, India,

a) the competent authority of each member state to the control Israel, New Zealand and Switzerland.authorities/bodies to which control tasks are delegated in accordance with art. 27 of Regulation 834/2007; Analysis of political and legislative framework for organic

b) the Commission, to: agriculture in Bulgariai) the control authorities/bodies listed in art. 3 para 2(a) of The first steps toward organic farming in Bulgaria date back to

Regulation 1235/2008 and listed in Annex I; the 60-s, although the interest rose in the last 15 years. As a result of (ii) competent authorities or control bodies of third countries the summit Conference “Perspectives of the Organic Agriculture in

listed in art. 7 para 2(f) of Regulation 1235/2008 and in Annex III; the Enlarged European Union” held in Plovdiv in 2003 the Ministry of (iii) the control authorities/bodies listed in art 10 para 2(a) of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) took the responsibility to elaborate a

Regulation 1235/2008, and in Annex IV; Strategy and National Plan for Organic Farming Development c) competent authority of each member state to the control (NPDOF). NPDOF was elaborated in the period October 2004 –

authorities/bodies authorised until 31 December 2012 for issuing the June 2005 and was co-financed by the Swiss Agency for inspection certificate as per art 19 para 1, subpara 4 of Regulation Development and Cooperation and MAF. The Bioselena Foundation 1235/2008 (import authorisations), upon EC's proposal. provided logistic support for its elaboration.

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In Bulgaria, the organic farming is subject of regulation after agricultural products and organic foods, and persons in charge for 2001. Two Regulations were approved: 22/4.07.2001 – for plant the control for equivalence of the organic produce. Controlling products and foods, and 35/30.08.2001 – for organic rearing of authorities could be both local and foreign bodies. The Minister of animals and organic production of animal foods, and their labelling. Agriculture issues Regulations about the aforementioned registers The Regulations have copied entirely the European normative and for organic produce application. The activities of the Minister are documents and thus, our legislation was harmonised to the assisted by a permanent commission on organic produce including European one. members from the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods, Ministry of

According to Regulation 35, animal foodstuffs are organic Environment and Waters, The Ministry of Economics and Tourism, provided that the following requirements were met: The Ministry of Health, Executive Agency "Bulgarian Accreditation

�The transition period: it refers both to land where crops are Service", representatives of organic product producers', processors' grown and to animals. The land is subject to rules set by Regulation consumers' and trade organisations. The Ministry of Agriculture and 22, and for animals, the period is from 6 weeks to 12 months Foods makes and publishes an online list with names and addresses according to the species; of certified producers/traders on its website.

�The origin of animals: they should come from an organic Animal welfare is related to organic farming, as the link farm and should belong to breeds, well adapted to the local agriculture-ecology is mutual. The agriculture alters the conditions and disease-resistant; environments, depletes or even destructs main natural resources

�Animal nutrition: the animals should be fed organic feeds (land and water), pollutes the environment, impairs the ecological and during the suckling period – maternal milk. Force feeding is balance. Most commonly, it results from improper agricultural prohibited. Also, the use of antibiotics and promoters of growth and techniques – fertilisation, agro protection, irrigation, poor utilisation productivity is not allowed; of pastures, inadequate care for animals, inadequate storage and

�Disease prevention and treatment: appropriate animal utilisation of organic waste. At the same time, agricultural producers breeds and selection methods should be used to increase the could utilise techniques contributing to ecosystem preservation and resistance to disease, the animals should be offered enough high- reduction of contamination. A main principle of the EC legislation is quality feed according to the species and age, regular access to through animal welfare, to avoid unnecessary pain or suffering. This pastures and walk should be provided for immune resistance principle is reflected in clearly formulated rules about the conditions enhancement; the stocking density should be adequate to avoid of housing, transportation or slaughtering. The rules are regularly overcrowding and related health problems. For treatment, updated according to the most recent scientific evidence and are phytotherapeutic, homeopathic drugs, trace elements listed in among the most restrictive in the world (COM (2006)13; COM (2009) Annex 3 of the Regulation are allowed. Allopathic drugs and 591; WDR, 2008).hormones are prohibited; An important concept of organic animal husbandry is that

�Animal production systems, transportation and product animals should be procured with environments, suitable for the labelling: animals are reproduced naturally, some traditional but species-specific needs. This means constant access to open space traumatising practices are not allowed, the tied housing is prohibited. and adequate grazing on pastures for satisfaction of their nutritive The transportation is done in a way preventing the stress, the loading needs and behavioural features. Animals should not be tied or and unloading are practised without electric stimulators; isolated (for herd species), the stocking density is also specified. The

�Fertilising: the maximum number of animals per hectare is general principles of organic animal husbandry neither allow the use compliant to the requirement of 170 kg/ha cultivable land annual of slatted or ribbed floors in rest areas. The handling of organically nitrogen output. The respective number of animals is given in Annex reared animals should be compliant to their natural, species-specific 12 to the Regulation; needs. For instance, in organic systems, chickens and other egg-

�Regions for free rearing of animals and premises: the free laying birds should be allowed "free" period between lay periods. rearing in the open air is preferred, and when the climatic conditions Often, birds are reared in small groups in order to build a hierarchy as require, in facilities responding to specific requirements. their ancestors in the wild.

The Law on Common organisations of agricultural markets of Rules for organic produce include also requirements to the care the EC took effect from 1 January 2007. It creates preconditions for personnel – they should possess a minimum of knowledge and skills implementation of numerous regulations related to the common about animal health and welfare. The principles of organic farming organisation of markets for agricultural products. The national require minimum pain and suffering during the entire life. This is a structures which would apply the rules set are determined, as well as precondition for creation of rules for reduction of transportation times the procedures at the national level, the control mechanisms and and control on slaughtering, which should be as fast and painless as sanctions. possible.

A main prerequisite for Bulgarian EC membership in the field of For production of organic meat and other animal foodstuffs, the agriculture is the adoption of structures and procedures for feed quality and composition are among the most important factors; application of the common organisations of agricultural markets, therefore, they are subject to very strict regulation. The EC with major goals: stabilisation of the national market of agricultural regulations for organic produce require that animals should receive products, using the entire financial support intended for application at least 85% organic feeds (depending on the species) and after 1 of market support measures, creating a possibility for application of January 2008, producers should ensure 100% organic feed in order all EC market measures since the accession. According to this law, to sell their products as "organic" and to use the EC organic logo. The the Minister of Agriculture is responsible for quality policy about rules principles of organic farming require from producers to make for protection of geographic labels, recognition of traditional and available a free grazing on pastures of animals and access to foods specific character and organic production of agricultural products which is compliant to their nutritive needs at any stage of their and foods. The former Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (now development. As per the principle for resource utilisation "in situ", Ministry of Agriculture and Foods) develops and maintains organic feed should be preferably produced at the same farm. The information registers of producers, processors and traders with organic feeds should not contain the following ingredients:

against the disease. for fruits and vegetables. There were 77 holdings for organic plant �Phytotherapy – herbal treatment with plants and plant production (56 are already certified and the rest 21 were in

extracts. conversion in 2004). One of the organic holding is mixed – for plant It could be therefore concluded that organic farming is generally and animal production. In the beginning of 2005 four farms produce

believed to be an environmental-friendly produce supporting the organic propagation material and seeds of the several cultivars biodiversity and environmental protection. (Table 1):

According to Agrienvironment and LFA Department of MAF Current situation of the organic farming in Bulgaria data and the data gathered by the certifying bodies (Table 2) the Between 19 November and 13 December 2004 a survey was

done through written questionnaires sent to 37 control bodies working on the territory of EU and Bulgaria. The questionnaire asked for information on certified area in ha, producers, products and quantities. 10 answers were received. Three of the control bodies from Germany, Belgium and France responded that their organizations have not performed certifications in Bulgaria. Positive answers were received by IMO – Switzerland (Balkan Biosert), Lacon – ETKO – Germany (B-cert Bulgaria), Eco-cert – Germany, DIO – Greece, Soil Association Ltd – Great Britain, Skal International – The Netherlands and SGS Bulgaria Ltd. The other organizations did not respond to the questionnaire.

According to Agrienvironment Department in MAF, in 2003 the organic farming methods were applied on 8364 ha. The information received by the control bodies shows that the area under organic way of cultivation (certified and in conversion period) in the end of North-Central and the South-Central regions are with the highest 2000 is 12284,14 ha or 0,22 % of the UAA. The certified area is 11 relative share of certified areas. There were 5 organic livestock 771, 47 ha and the area in conversion is 512,67 ha. The comparison breeding farms keeping in total 722 animals (cattle, sheep and with the data from 2003 shows that the areas for organic production goats). One of these holdings is mixed and in conversion period. It have increased significantly only for 1 year. The certified area for wild breeds 294 sheep.berries, herbs and mushrooms is 62 183,95 ha. There were 12 green 8 years ago (in 2004 – Table 3) the number of certified apiaries houses for organic production of fruits and vegetables with 206 440 was 258 with 23 508 bee families kept in compliance with organic square meters that corresponds to 20,64 ha certified agricultural production requirements. Another 11 apiaries with 375 bee families area. This information was presented during the Conference on were in conversion periodorganic farming held in Plovdiv in 2003. The greenhouses are mainly Over the past few years have seen an increasing interest in

Table 1. Organic propagation material and seeds in Bulgaria (January 2005)

Kind

Strawberries

Lavender

Rose

Dill

Total

110 000

100 000

85 000

20.7 tones

295 000 and 20.7 tones

0

0

0

0

110 000

100 000

85 000

20,7 tones

295 000 and 20,7 tones

Certified (number of propagation material) In conversion (number) Total (number of propagation material)

344

�Growth hormones; breed is very important – local breeds and races are preferred due to �Synthetic amino acids; their higher vitality, adaptation to local conditions and resistance to �GMO. diseases. The strengthening of innate animal immunity could be Other ingredients (see below) could be used only under specific achieved by adequate, high-quality feeds, physical activity, access

circumstances: to quality pastures. �Non-organic plant constituents; In cases when disease occurs despite the precautions taken, �Feed ingredients of animal and mineral origin; organic producers should react rapidly and adequately to reduce as �Feed additives; much as possible the suffering of the animal and to take measures �Supplements, such as enzymes and microorganisms; for fastest recovery. The diseases are immediately treated, and in �Technological additives. cases when phytotherapeutics, homeopathic drugs etc. are not Another organic principle is to offer calves and lambs maternal appropriate, the use of synthetic chemical drugs (including

milk only, preferably from their own dams. The aim is to raise sound antibiotics) is allowed under more stringent conditions, particularly and happy offspring through attention and sensitivity to their specific with regard to therapy duration and the withdrawal times. The needs. The animal health and welfare could be almost always therapy methods should include: perfect without using synthetic substances as antibiotics or other �Homeopathy – an alternative therapy using highly diluted drugs, and in the ideal case – the measures of prevention exclude or doses of drugs, resulting in symptoms similar to those provoked by at least reduce the risk of diseases and pests. The choice of a proper pathogenic agents. This method provokes a systemic mobilisation

Table 2. Number of animals in organic farms (December 2004)

Kind

Cows

Bull

Calf

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Total

54

1

44

35

0

0

134

112

0

28

112

294

32

588

166

1

82

147

294

32

722

In conversion

(heads)

Certified(heads)

Total

(heads)

345

the production is exported and Bulgarian organic products are well received in the European and world market.

At the end of 2011 the total number of organic producers, processors and traders registered in Ministry of Agriculture and Food, is 1054, nearly 30 percent more than the previous year. The total size of controlled organic farming area increases double in 2010, in 2011 it is 26,622 hectares (Table 4).

The farmers preferred cereals, technical crops and permanent crops for organic agriculture (Table 5).

The positive tendency is shown for organic husbandry, too. In 2011 the total number of cattle in organic farms increases twice organic farming in Bulgaria has been seen, which is due to the compared with 2010 and the first organic bison's farm for 200 growing demand for organic products worldwide. The main part of animals is certified (Table 6). The number of bee families is

Table 3. The produced amount of bee products

Kind

Bee honey

Pollen

Bee wax

Propolys

Total

924.6

7

45

7

983.6

924.6

7

45

7

983.6

0

0

0

0

0

In conversionCertified tones Total (tones)

Table 5. Land of agrarian cultures grown in organic way

* Including areas that are not represented in the tableSource: Ministry of Agriculture and food, based on data from the annual reports of the controlling persons of organic farming

Type of cultures

Technical crops – totalincluding Rosa damascene

Fresh vegetables, melons,strawberries, mushrooms (total)

Cereal plants, incl. rice

Permanent crops

Forage crops of arable land(Crops for green) including lucerne

Permanent meadows and pastures

Fallow land

Total area*

Wild growing crops

Land in transition period (ha) Land transitioned (ha) Total land (ha)

2011

1 541 5 339

4 913

428

5 795

3 611

3 786

1 716

25 648

546 195

2 495

329

203

1 356

2 972

225

73

456

9 327.5

521 055

2011

4 980

3 350

516

467

5 087

1 519

771

649

1 057

17 294.6

22 600

2011

6 521

5 845

845

670

6 443

4 491

996

722

1 513

26 622

543 655

2010

* Wild cultures - mushrooms, herbs and berries are collected from certified organic areas, but the areas are not cultivatedand are not included in the "All areas in the system of control"Source: Ministry of Agriculture and food, based on data from the annual reports of the controlling persons of organic farming

Table 4. Number of operators (producers, processors, traders) and certified area for organic farming

Number of operators in organic farming

Total cultivated land (ha)

Permanent meadows and pastures (ha)

Available land / fallow land (ha)

All land in the control system (at transition and transitioned) (ha)

Wild cultures* (ha)

2011

1 054

20 618

4 491

1 513

26 622

543 655

2010

820

20 320

3 611

1 716

25 647

546 195

2009

476

8 163

1 843

1 783

11 789

401 425

2008

311

12 738

2 486

1 438

16 662

489 083

2007

339

13 646

-

1 578

15 224

397 354

2006

214

4 691

-

1 261

5 952

118 243

Table 6. Number of animals in organic farms

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Bee families

329

1 054

131

33 981

395

1 690

1 058

35 747

470

2 471

1 624

44 861

272

5 831

2 732

41 089

364

6 698

2 773

46 429

976

6 648

3 397

58 855

Figure 2. Three types of labels to ensure the origin of foods.

Protected Designation of Origin Traditional Speciality GuaranteedProtected Geographical Indication

346

increased from about 46,000 to almost 59,000, which is about 27% Argentina, pork from Poland. The same is valid for traditional more registered in the control system, compared with 2010. A Bulgarian products and no one could guarantee that it is possible to precondition for this increase is a good reception of organic honey in return to past practices provided that we are in conditions of a the European market. common market within the globalised world (Otouzbirov et al., 2007;

In 2011, a total of over 10 thousand sheep and goats are housed Otouzbirov and Zhelyazkov, 2008b).in organic farms. The number of goats increases by 20% over the An even more delicate question is that organic produce makes previous year. There is an interest to start organic poultry. Due to a the end product very expensive and despite what was declared large number of cattle reared in 2011 production of organic cheese during the surveys, it is clear that the European organic producer is and yogurt is increased. As a result of increase of the number of bee doomed to financial ruin without the specific support of EC member families, the amount of organically produced honey is increased by state governments. The financial support of organic farming in 14% compared to the previous year (Table 7). Bulgaria is a Bulgaria is mainly funded at some of the measures from the Rural traditional producer of various types of certified organic honey with Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP), which is a motivation excellent quality indicators, as much of the production is exported to for the development of the sector. Many Bulgarian organic producers the world market. in transition and passed the transition period apply under Measure

214 "Agri-environmental payments" sub–measure "Organic Analysis of financial framework for organic production Farming" directions "Organic Crop" and "Organic Beekeeping". The goals set by national institutions work towards broadening Officially approved by the sixth amendment to the RDP adopted new

of the potential of organic production and partly, stimulation of higher levels of compensation payments to organic producers, consumption of organic products. The stimulation of producers by which will be an additional incentive to increase organically grown payments, subsidy and tax reduction could be considered as an products. Under measure 121 "Modernization of agricultural appropriate and necessary measure (EFG.11, 2009). The marketing holdings" a certain budget for investment in special machinery and study (data by Vitosha Research, 2009) showed a poor awareness equipment, buildings and other property is guaranteed, including of the population and a very limited consumption of organic permanent crops and related equipment required when switching products, which, against the background of the overall economic the farm to organic farming. A measure 142 "Setting up producer situations seems rather pessimistic. The additional requirements for groups" support the creation of organizations of organic products, putting a unique logo of all products produced/imported in the and measure 111 "Training, information and diffusion of knowledge" country would help the recognition of products by consumers. funds the conduct of information activities and educational events for Despite the expectations for a radical changes after 1.07.2010, organic producers closely related to their work.when the European organic logo was introduced as mandatory (at The realisation of sustainable agricultural production could be least for products produced in the EC), this was not justified attained by coordinated action in three directions:(COM/2009/0586; INI, 2002202, 2009; Poulsen, 2010). • Legislation (following the Polluter Pays Principle) – through

With this regard, the ideas of some German researchers introduction of unified requirements, taxes and fees;represented by Prof. Elias Heißenhuber at the Second International • Financial stimuli – compensations, programmes for Conference of the Faculty of Economics, Trakia University (23 June environmental protection;2011) deserve attention. In his plenary report Concepts for • Labelling – particularly important for organic products in sustainable agriculture development", he reviewed the state of order to ensure a fair competition.livestock husbandry through the eyes of producers and consumers. The proposals in the third direction are especially interesting. It turned out that not only in Bulgaria, but in the entire EC, the failure Until now, three types of labels are used in the EC to ensure the to achieve a single, consumer-friendly standard, is a considerable origin of foods (Figure 2).concern. Consumers could hardly be convinced that it is a normal An example of the “Label under one roof" concept is presented practice to produce the "Bavarian sausage" mark with veal from (Heißenhuber, 2011), in Figure 3 which aims to make labels more

Table 7. Organic animal products (tons)

2006Products 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

White brined cheese

Yoghurt

Bee honey

-

-

680

8

62

998

217

101

1 679

207

82

1 579

118

74

1 108

144

194

1 263

347

clear for consumers; to stimulate the environmental protection, to (Miteva et al., 2005; Otouzbirov et al., 2005; Otouzbirov and guarantee preferences for organic product producers and last but Zhelyazkov, 2008a). not least, to support the efforts of producers for a more comfortable social environments.

Producers tend to oppose to the legislation and the pressure of Conclusiontraders about better housing conditions for animals, as the

consumers expect that prices would go down instead of rising. From all points reviewed thus far, it could be assumed that better Therefore, each time the production costs increase, this would be on

care for livestock animal species would result in an insignificant the account of producers and they would suffer losses, at least short-increase in the prices of foods. The most important effect on welfare term ones. These short-term effects could be prevented by gradual is that of production costs. In general, the society does not need a change or by state subsidies. Only then the new increased costs, less expensive food production. On the contrary, taking into accompanied by higher income from increased prices of foods consideration what animals and the environment need, the free would not have a negative impact on producers (Appleby et al., market competition should no more govern the agricultural practices 2003). An important issue is the protection from import of foods from and the prices of foods. The role of animal welfare scientists with this countries, which do not apply a similar legislation. Such a protection, regard is essential, as they could contribute to the sustainable in compliance to animal welfare standards, is sought by the EC development of agriculture by combining the improved rearing (supported by animal protection groups) during the negotiations with conditions with more efficient use of animal biological potential by the World Trade organization. A stimulus with this connection is the avoiding stress and satisfying their specific needs. guidelines for farm animal rearing of the World Animal Health

Organization (OIE, 2004).Although the situation in the USA is much different and the

economic inertia is stronger there are recently some good initiatives Referencesfor improvement of livestock rearing conditions. These initiatives result from the opinion of some traders that their clients expect to buy

Appleby M, 2004. Alternatives to conventional livestock production products from organically reared animals. This is a stimulus for

methods. Pages 339–350, In: The Well-Being of Farm Animals: development of new market niches, i.e. that of organic foods

Challenges and Solutions (ed. Benson G and Rollin D), Blackwell, (Mench, 2003; Appleby, 2004, 2005). These market niches depend

Ames, IA.on the care about the possible effects. Potential clients look for and

Appleby M, 2005. The relationship between food prices and animal desire to purchase more expensive foods, produced not by

welfare. Journal of Animal Science, 83, 13, suppl E9-conventional, but using alternative production methods taking

E12http://jas.fass.org/content/83/13_suppl/E9.full - aff-12.account on the state of animals, the environment, support for

Appleby M, Cutler N, Gazzard J, Goddard P, Milne J, Morgan C developing countries etc. There are always producers using such

and Redfern A, 2003. What price cheap food? Journal of Agriculture methods and selling at higher prices to compensate for the higher

and Environmental Ethics, 16, 395–408.production costs. They do this either because they think the same

CAC/GL 34 Guideleines, Codex Alimentariusway, or because this is a profitable business, or both. Despite the

COM(2006)13. Communication from the Commission to the relatively small market share, these farmers offer an insight into the

European Parliament and the Council on a Community action plan future of agriculture. These farmers and their clients exert a

on the protection and welfare of animals 2006-2010. Brussels, disproportionally high effect on the legislation of some European

23.1.2006countries and on USA retail practices. The sales of organic foods

COM(2009)591. Communication from the Commission to the and animal products, reared in conditions close to the natural ones,

European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and have always represented a small proportion, but have paved the way

Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “A better of European legislation concerning all livestock animal species

Environment

BMELV*

Animal welfare

Social activity

Origin Bulgaria

Figure 3. "Label under one roof" concept.

Source: according to the scientific advisory board of the German Ministry of Agriculture

* Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection

348

functioning food supply chain in Europe”. Brussels, 28.10.2009 Regulation 22 on organic production of plants, plant products and COM/2009/0586. Communication from the Commission to the foodstuffs of plant origin European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Regulation 35 on organic production of livestock, livestock products Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Transforming and foodstuffs of animal originthe digital dividend into social benefits and economic growth. Otouzbirov R, Miteva Tch and Zhelyazkov G, 2005. Risk Analysis Commission Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 of 8 December 2008 and Determination of Critical Control Points System during the laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation Implementation of the System for Risk Analysis and Critical Point (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of Control in Milk Stockbreeding Farms, Agricultural Economics and organic products from third countries. Management, Sofia, 1, 46-52 (Bg).Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 of 5 September 2008 Otouzbirov R, Zhelyazkov G, Atanassova T and Kostadinova N, laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council 2007. Implementing the HACCP system in beef cattle farms., 3 Joint Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of Meeting of the Network of Universities and Research Institutions of organic products with regard to organic production, labelling and Animal Science of the South Eastern European Countries, control. Thessaloniki 10-12. Feb. 2007, (CD).Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic Otouzbirov R and Zhelyazkov G, 2008a. Quality control and production and labelling of organic products and repealing traceability of the pork meet market, Management and Sustainable Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 Development, Sofia, 3-4, 140-144 (Bg).European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Otouzbirov R and Zhelyazkov G, 2008b. Agricultural Consumers' Farming Purposes, Strasbourg, 10 March 1976. awareness and public health safety, Plenary report from conference Guide for Assessing Equivalence of Organic Standards and proceedings “Sustainable agricultural development in Bulgaria and Technical Regulations, UNCTAD, FAO, IFOAM, October 2008 EU, 8-9 May 2008, Stara Zagora, 140-143 (Bg).Guidelines for farm animal rearing. World Organisation for Animal Paulsen M, 2010, REPORT on evaluation and assessment of the Health (OIE, 2004) Animal Welfare Action Plan 2006-2010. A7-0053/2010, 23.3.2010.Guidelines on imports of organic products into the European Petkov G and Kostadinova G, 2012. Protecting and improving the Union. 15.12.2008. Rev. 1. EC Directorate General for Agriculture environment landscapes of rural regions. In: Proceedings of and Rural Development. Directorate H. Sustainability and quality of International Conference “CAP 2020 and development of Bulgarian agriculture and rural development H.3. Organic farming agriculture” (ed. Slavov, Pavlov, Mihailova, Panayotov and Radev), Heißenhuber A, 2011. Concept for a sustainable agriculture. 77-98, Alfamarket Plus Publ., Stara Zagora, 10-11 May 2012, Trakia Second International Conference, Trakia University, Faculty of University.Economics, 23 June 2011, Stara Zagora. Proceedings Global conference on animal welfare: an OIE INI/2009/2202 Evaluation and assessment of the animal welfare initiative Paris, 23–25 February 2004. Luxembourg: Office for action plan 2006-2010. Official Publications of the European Communities, ISBN 92-894-International Requirements for Organic Certification Bodies, 6614-6. UNCTAD, FAO, IFOAM, October 2008. Production, distritbution and consumption of organic products Law on the implementation of common market organisations of in Bulgaria – results from a marketing study, 2009, Vitosha agricultural products of the European Union, promulgated OG 96 of Research, Sofia (Bg)28 November 2006, effective from 01.01.2007; amended OG 26 of 6 Tegtmeier E and Duffy M, 2004. External costs of agricultural April 2010. production in the United States. Int. J. Agric. Sustainability 2, 1–20.Mench J, 2003. Assessing animal welfare at the farm and group The OIE's objectives and achievements in animal welfare. level: A United States perspective. Animal Welfare, 12, 493–503. http://www.oie.int/en/animal-welfare/Miteva Tch, Vashin I, Otouzbirov R and Mitev J, 2005. Application Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Official of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system to the Gazette С83/47, 30.3.2010, ISSN 1830-365X.production of foods of animal origin, Agricultural Economics and World Development Report 2008 “Agriculture for Development”.Management, Sofia, 4, 3-13. Web-sites:National agroecological programme of the Republic of Bulgaria http://gorichka.bg/

th(2007-2013) – 6 draft, May 2006 (Bg). http://www.bgstuff.net/zakoni-i-normativni-aktove/drugi2/7961http://www.bio.bgNational plan for development of organic farming in Bulgaria in http://www.developmentgateway.org,2007–2013, http://www.mzh.government.bg/MZH/Libraries/ (Bg).http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/files/.../guidelines_for_impoOfficial Journal of the European Union C 279 E, 19.11.2009. rts_bg.pdfResolution of 22 May 2008 on a new animal health strategy for the http://www.evroportal.bgEuropean Union 2007-2013.http://www.oecd.orgOfficial Journal of the European Union C 308 E, 16.12.2006. http://www.organic-europe.net/ Resolution of 12 October 2006 on a Community Action Plan on the http://www.organic-market.info/Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010.http://www.time-foundation.org/Regulation 11 of 6 April 2009 on procedures for implementing http://www.welfarequality.netMeasure 214 "Agroecological Payments" from the Programme of http://www.welfarequalitynetwork.netrural development for the period 2007–2013.http://www1.clermont.inra.fr/wq/home_contributors.php

Review

Organic farming, organic animal husbandry and organic productsІ. Varlyakov

Genetics and Breeding

Inheritance weight of the grain in hybrids in winter common wheatE. Nikolova, D. Pavlov

Investigation of genetic diversity of isolate common smut of corn by using RAPD marker in Lorestan ProvinceZ. Noruzi, S. A. Moosavi, M. Darvishnia, N. Azadbakht , F. Fayazi

Induction of parturition in sows with prostaglandin analog AlfaprostolS. Dimitrov, G. Bonev, I. Penchev, R Krejci

Developing sunflower fertility restorer lines from commercial hybrids by using in vitro techniqueM. Drumeva

Nutrition and Physiology

Effects of dietary palm oil supplementation on some ruminal fermentation parameters and weight development of yearling sheepT. Slavov, V. Radev, S. Tchobanova

Histometry of third eyelid (Harderian) gland in helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)D. Dimitrov

Investigations on liver function in mulards with experimentally induced aflatoxicosisN. Grozeva, I. Valchev, D. Kanakov, Ts. Hristov, L. Lazarov, R. Binev, Y. Nikolov

Production Systems

Content and yield of crude protein from winter pea grain, cultivated after different predecessors in conditions of organic and conventional productionM. Gerdgikova, M. Videva, D. Pavlov

Changes in the hindleg conformation and their relation to lameness, production system and lactation number in dairy cowsTch. Miteva, T. Penev, Zh. Gergovska, J. Mitev, N.Vasilev, V. Dimova

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Change of available forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in alluvial-meadow soil, after longterm fertilizationS. Todorova, N. Simeonova, K. Trendafilov, V. Valcheva

Response of vine rootstocks to the content of Ca and Mg in nutrient solutionsV. Valcheva, K. Trendafilov

Influence of liming with Ca(OH) on the iron and manganese content in foliage of vine varietiesK. Trendafilov, V. Valcheva

Influence of some herbicides and herbicide tank mixtures on the grain yield and sowing seeds of durum wheatG. Delchev

Production efficiency of three fattening systems for Black and White male calvesR. Otuzbirov, R. Kalev, Zh. Gergovska

Bioproducts against diseases and pests in tomato production in cultivation facilitiesS. Masheva, N. Valchev, V. Yankova

Evapotranspiration of sunflower crops depending on irrigationA. Matev, R. Petrova, H. Kirchev

Agriculture and Environment

The evolution and current state of agricultural land and livestock exploited in organic farmingsystem in RomaniaI. Răducuţă, A. Bogdan, I. Van, D. Rebega, C. Fabian, I. Grosulescu

Optimizing rotary hoe weed control in field bean crop at transition to organic agriculture in Dobrudzha. I. Crop injuries.I. Iliev, G. Milev

New data for some rare macromycetes in BulgariaM. Lacheva

Application of NIRS as a rapid and alternative method for prediction of heavy metals content in soilM.Todorova, S. Atanassova, B. Sitaula, D. Apturachim, P. Valkova, D. Dermendgieva

Comparative technical and economic analysis of systems for liquid manure managementV. Dimova, R. Georgiev, Ch. Miteva, N. Nedelcheva

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Product Quality and Safety

Effects of lycopene on the colour and sensory characteristics of cooked sausagesD. Gradinarska, K. Danov, K. Valkova-Jorgova

Monitoring of milk acid coagulation by rotational viscometerP. Boyanova, P. Panayotov, B. Milenkov, H. Dinkov

Determining the quality characteristics of ready-to-cook minced meat products through hyperspectral imagesK. Kolev

Effect of the duration of shelf life on some quality parameters related to bee honeyK. Elencheva-Karaneycheva, I. Zhelyazkova, R. Balkanska

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Instruction for authors

Preparation of papersPapers shall be submitted at the editorial office typed on standard typing pages (A4, 30 lines per page, 62 characters per line). The editors recommend up to 15 pages for full research paper ( including abstract references, tables, figures and other appendices)

The manuscript should be structured as follows: Title, Names of authors and affiliation address, Abstract, List of keywords, Introduction, Material and methods,Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgements (if any), References, Tables, Figures.The title needs to be as concise and informative about the nature of research. It should be written with small letter /bold, 14/ without any abbreviations. Names and affiliation of authorsThe names of the authors should be presented from the initials of first names followed by the family names. The complete address and name of the institution should be stated next. The affiliation of authors are designated by different signs. For the author who is going to be corresponding by the editorial board and readers, an E-mail address and telephone number should be presented as footnote on the first page. Corresponding author is indicated with *. Abstract should be not more than 350 words. It should be clearly stated what new findings have been made in the course of research. Abbreviations and references to authors are inadmissible in the summary. It should be understandable without having read the paper and should be in one paragraph. Keywords: Up to maximum of 5 keywords should be selected not repeating the title but giving the essence of study. The introduction must answer the following questions: What is known and what is new on the studied issue? What necessitated the research problem, described in the paper? What is your hypothesis and goal ?Material and methods: The objects of research, organization of experiments, chemical analyses, statistical and other methods and conditions applied for the experiments should be described in detail. A criterion of sufficient information is to be

possible for others to repeat the experi-ment in order to verify results.Results are presented in understandable tables and figures, accompanied by the statistical parameters needed for the evaluation. Data from tables and figures should not be repeated in the text.Tables should be as simple and as few as possible. Each table should have its own explanatory title and to be typed on a separate page. They should be outside the main body of the text and an indication should be given where it should be inserted.Figures should be sharp with good contrast and rendition. Graphic materials should be preferred. Photographs to be appropriate for printing. Illustrations are supplied in colour as an exception after special agreement with the editorial board and possible payment of extra costs. The figures are to be each in a single file and their location should be given within the text. Discussion: The objective of this section is to indicate the scientific significance of the study. By comparing the results and conclusions of other scientists the contribution of the study for expanding or modifying existing knowledge is pointed out clearly and convincingly to the reader.Conclusion: The most important conse- quences for the science and practice resulting from the conducted research should be summarized in a few sentences. The conclusions shouldn't be numbered and no new paragraphs be used. Contributions are the core of conclusions. References:In the text, references should be cited as follows: single author: Sandberg (2002); two authors: Andersson and Georges (2004); more than two authors: Andersson et al.(2003). When several references are cited simultaneously, they should be ranked by chronological order e.g.: (Sandberg, 2002; Andersson et al., 2003; Andersson and Georges, 2004).References are arranged alphabetically by the name of the first author. If an author is cited more than once, first his individual publications are given ranked by year, then come publications with one co-author, two co-authors, etc. The names of authors, article and journal titles in the Cyrillic or alphabet different from Latin, should be transliterated into Latin and article titles should be translated into English. The original language of articles and books translated into English is indicated in

parenthesis after the bibliographic reference (Bulgarian = Bg, Russian = Ru, Serbian = Sr, if in the Cyrillic, Mongolian = Мо, Greek = Gr, Georgian = Geor., Japanese = Jа, Chinese = Ch, Arabic = Аr, etc.)The following order in the reference list is recommended:Journal articles: Author(s) surname and initials, year. Title. Full title of the journal, volume, pages. Example:Simm G, Lewis RM, Grundy B and Dingwall WS, 2002. Responses to selection for lean growth in sheep. Animal Science, 74, 39-50Books: Author(s) surname and initials, year. Title. Edition, name of publisher, place of publication. Example: Oldenbroek JK, 1999. Genebanks and the conservation of farm animal genetic resources, Second edition. DLO Institute for Animal Science and Heal th, Netherlands.Book chapter or conference proceedings: Author(s) surname and initials, year. Title. In: Title of the book or of the proceedings followed by the editor(s), volume, pages. Name of publisher, place of publication. Example: Mauff G, Pulverer G, Operkuch W, Hummel K and Hidden C, 1995. C3-variants and diverse phenotypes of unconverted and converted C3. In: Provides of the Biological Fluids (ed. H. Peters), vol. 22, 143-165, Pergamon Press. Oxford, UK.Todorov N and Mitev J, 1995. Effect of level of feeding during dry period, and body condition score on reproductive perfor-

thmance in dairy cows,IX International Conference on Production Diseases in Farm Animals, Sept.11 – 14, Berlin, Germany, p. 302 (Abstr.).Thesis:Penkov D, 2008. Estimation of metabolic energy and true digestibility of amino acids of some feeds in experiments with muscus duck (Carina moshata, L). Thesis for DSc. Agrarian University, Plovdiv, 314 pp.

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Volume 4, Number 4December 2012