Accounting firm “Elan Consulting” can be a valuable partner and adviser in the process of registration as a farmer. Our support can cover various aspects of the registration process and the subsequent management ofthe accounting and financial issues of farmers, as well as with the accounting of farmers.

The first step in which “Elan Consulting” can help is the consultation on the registration procedure. Our consultants can provide detailed information about the necessary steps, documents and legal requirements for registration as a farmer in Bulgaria. “Elan Consulting” can help in the preparation and verification of all necessary documents for registration. This includes survey cards, forms, identity documents, current status certificates, EIC registrations, and other necessary documents.

Our company can also assist in the preparation of an inventory of agricultural areas and the preparation of documents certifying the legal basis for the use of the respective areas. This is a key point in the registration process and requires accuracy and attention to detail. The accountants of Elan Consulting can provide assistance in filling out declarations and forms that are part of the registration process, such as the Declaration under Art. 8, para. 4 of Ordinance No 3/1999. This ensures that all necessary legal requirements are met.

In addition to administrative support, Elan Consulting can also offer advice on financial planning and management. This includes advice on effective budgeting, cost management and optimization of income from agricultural activity. Our accounting house can also help in applying for various forms of state support and financial support from the European Agricultural Funds. This includes the preparation of the necessary documentation and assistance in fulfilling the application conditions. In addition, Elan Consulting can offer advice and support in the process of obtaining free advice from the National Agricultural Advisory Service and other similar institutions. Such services can be useful for the management and development of the agricultural holding.

Elan Consulting can also provide support in the field of accounting services that are specific to farms. This includes income and expense management, tax consulting, accounting services, and more. Our accountants can provide up-to-date information and guidance on new and updated legal changes that may affect farmers and their operations. This ensures that our customers are always informed and compliant with the latest regulations.

Finally, Elan Consulting can offer constant support and advice on all issues related to the management and development of the farm. This includes assistance in making strategic decisions, risk management and other important aspects of the business.

In general, the accounting house “Elan Consulting” can provide comprehensive support and professional accounting services, which greatly facilitate the process of registration and management of an agricultural holding. Our expertise and experience can be a valuable resource for anyone looking to register as a farmer in Bulgaria.

Registration of a farmer. State support for farmers.

The registration of a farmer is a key step for any natural or legal person who wishes to engage in agricultural activity in Bulgaria. According to Bulgarian legislation, farmers can be both natural persons over the age of 18 and legal entities, including sole traders. It is important to note that the registration procedure requires the submission of documents proving the right to use or ownership of agricultural land, as well as a description of the planned agricultural activity. Farmers often face a variety of challenges, including climate change, the need for sustainable resource management and the need for constant technological innovation.

The registration of a farmer not only meets the legal requirements, but also provides access to various forms of state support.It also facilitates the monitoring and control of agricultural activities, which is important for maintaining high standards of quality and safety of production. Registered farmers have the right to access various state and European support programs that can significantly support their activities. These programs typically offer financial assistance for farm modernization, sustainable management of agricultural resources, and the introduction of innovative technologies.

In order to maintain their registration, farmers must regularly submit information on their activities, including on crops and animals grown. They must also comply with certain quality standards and undergo periodic inspections. The Register of Farmers was established in order to collect and process information about all registered farmers in the country. This system allows state bodies to exercise effective control and manage the processes of support and regulation of the sector. It is important to bear in mind that state support for farmers includes various forms of financial and technical support. This may include direct payments, subsidies for the purchase of modern equipment, as well as assistance for the development of infrastructure of agricultural holdings.

Can anyone register as a farmer?

Registration as a farmer is a procedure that is open and recommended for anyone who plans to develop and develop agricultural land and grow crops, but there are specific conditions and requirements that must be met. According to Bulgarian legislation, both legal entities, sole traders and individuals who have reached the age of 18 are subject to registration. This opens the door for a wide range of individuals to engage in agricultural activity, as long as they meet the basic registration criteria.

A key element in the registration process is the management of agricultural land or the implementation of the production of agricultural products. This means that not everyone who wishes can register as a farmer, but only those who are really actively involved in agricultural activity. In addition, the registration process is subject to certain rules and regulations established in Ordinance No. 3 of January 29, 1999.

The initial registration of farmers shall take place throughout the marketing year, with the business year beginning on 1 October and ending on 30 September. This gives farmers the flexibility to plan and prepare their registration at a time convenient for them, without being constrained by strict deadlines. However, it is important to emphasize that once registered, farmers must comply with certain obligations and obey the regulatory framework established by the State.

To maintain your status as a registered farmer (so-called re-registration) it is necessary to submit annually within the period from 1 October until the end of the term under Article 12, paragraph 2 of Ordinance No. 5 of 2009 on the Conditions and Procedure for Submitting Applications under Direct Payment Schemes and Measures (DV, No. 22 of 2009)up-to-date information on its activities by means of a survey card with survey forms, i.e. by the end of the last day of the deadline for submitting applications under the direct payment schemes for the relevant business year. On the basis of the information submitted, the ODC shall certify the farmer's registration card for a period up to the end of the period referred to in sentence one for the following business year and shall issue a report generated by the register on the activity declared by him. In case of non-compliance with the deadline for re-registration, persons lose their status as farmers, as well as the rights resulting therefrom for the relevant business year.

What are the benefits of registering as a farmer?

Access to financing from the European Agricultural Funds - One of the main benefits of registering as a farmer is the possibility of applying for and obtaining financing under various schemes and measures from the European Agricultural Funds through the State Fund “Agriculture”. This provides significant financial support for the development and modernisation of agricultural holdings, helping to improve their productivity, sustainability and competitiveness.Only registered farmers with valid registration cards for the respective business year are eligible to apply for these funds.

Advice from the National Agricultural Advisory Service- Another important privilege that comes with registering as a farmer is the right to access specialized advice and guidance from the National Agricultural Advisory Service. These tips can be extremely valuable for farmers, especially in the areas of sustainable agriculture, the application of innovative technologies and the optimization of production processes. This is the time to note that the National Agricultural Advisory Service provides free consultations and trains farmers in the field of crop production, animal husbandry, agrarian economy, RDP and Strategic Plan for Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2023-2027, as well as provides free specialized consultancy services. services under Measure 2 “Advisory services, farm management services and on-farm replacement services” of the RDP 2014-2020. The NSSH prepares business plans for all sub-measures of the Thematic Subprogramme for the Development of Small Farms (6.3, 4.1.2, 4.2.2), and last but not least also carries out agrochemical analyses and provides recommendations for fertilization.

Sale of products without cash registers- Registered farmers also have the unique right to sell their produce in markets throughout the country without the need to use cash registers. This represents a significant facilitation and increases flexibility in the trade of agricultural products. It is important to note that this right does not apply to exchanges and marketplaces where other regulations are applicable. In order for a registered farmer not to have to use a cash register, the following three conditions must be met:

The farmer is a natural person - i.e. is not a trader within the meaning of the TC (the definition of a trader under this Law is formulated in Article 1, and in Article 2 of the Commercial Law it is stated that natural persons engaged in agricultural activity are not considered traders);
The farmer carries outsales of own and unprocessed agricultural products;
The commercial object is not located on the territory of a licensed commodity exchange, market or market of manufacturers within the meaning of the Commodity Exchanges and Markets Act or is not a closed premises, such as a shop, warehouse or the like.

How do I register as a farmer? Registration procedure

The procedure for registering a farmer is an important step for anyone wishing to engage in agricultural activity in Bulgaria. As mentioned above, registration provides access to numerous opportunities to support and develop the agricultural holding. The simple and clearly structured procedure facilitates the registration process for farmers and their subsequent participation in various programmes and initiatives.

The registration process takes place in Regional Directorate (OD) “Agriculture”, the registration address being determined according to the permanent address of the natural person, the sole trader or the registered office of the legal person. The Register of Farmers is established and maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, which facilitates the control and support of farmers in the country.

The Register of Farmers is established and maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. This system facilitates both the registration process and the subsequent control and support of farmers. The register provides a centralised storage of information and facilitates the various government bodies in carrying out their functions in relation to farmers.

Farmers shall submit to the municipal agricultural service or to the Regional Directorate “Agriculture” a completed Survey Card and survey forms according to the model.
Certified copies of certificate of current status and registration document under the EIC for legal entities and sole traders, identity document for natural persons, identification card from BULSTAT register for registered natural persons shall be submitted.
Farmers using agricultural land shall submit an inventory of the agricultural areas and documents on the legal basis for the use of the areas concerned.
In the case of activities with primary feed, a Declaration is submitted under Article 8, paragraph 4 of Ordinance No. 3 of January 29, 1999.
When farmers keep animals, an inventory of ear tag numbers and/or electronic identifiers in accordance with Article 7, paragraph 2 of the Ordinance, an inventory of animals that are not subject to identification, or a certified inventory by the official veterinarian supervising the relevant livestock establishment, shall be applied. Farmers can complete and submit a questionnaire with survey forms in electronic form.
Where the farmer manages agricultural land and/or raises animals on different plots of land, he shall complete separate survey forms for each plot of land.
Registration is carried out by entering the data from the survey cards and forms into the Register of Farmers by the designated official of the OD “Agriculture”.

What are all the necessary documents for registration as a farmer?

The procedure for registering a farmer involves the submission of various documents that depend on the status of the person - physical or legal. Here is a list of the main documents that are required for registration:

Survey Card:Completed survey card and sample survey forms.
Identity document:For individuals - an identity card or passport.
Certificate of current status and registration document under the EEC:For legal entities and sole traders.
Identification card from BULSTAT register:For registered individuals.

Inventory of agricultural areas:Farmers using agricultural land shall submit an inventory of the agricultural areas they will use in the year concerned.
Documents on the legal basis for the use of the respective areas:These documents prove the rights of the producer to the land that will be used for agricultural activity.
Declaration under Art. 8, para. 4 of Ordinance No. 3 of January 29, 1999:For farmers who carry out activities with primary feed.

These documents are essential for the successful completion of the registration procedure of a farmer. Elan Consulting can offer assistance in preparing these documents, making it easier for farmers through this process.

Can a natural person - a foreigner, with a LNC/EGN and a long/permanent residence permit register as a farmer? And can he apply for the interventions included in the Strategic Plan?

The short answer is -yes, if they can prove ownership or use of the areas/land intended for the agricultural activity. The possibility for foreign citizens with a long-term residence permit to register as farmers in Bulgaria according to Ordinance No. 3 of 29 January 1999 is a matter that is decided within the framework of Bulgarian legislation and European directives. According to Bulgarian laws, citizens of member states of the European Union who wish to settle and permanently reside in Bulgaria have the right to acquire agricultural and forestry properties for agricultural use. This right was acquired with the entry into force of the Treaty of Accession of Bulgaria to the European Union.

Foreigners, including those with a long-term residence permit, may acquire the right of ownership of agricultural land under the terms of an international treaty ratified by Bulgaria and upon inheritance by law. This means that in certain cases it is possible for foreigners to register as farmers and carry out agricultural activities in the country. Insofar as according to Ordinance No. 3 of January 29, 1999, no restrictions are established for foreigners, and the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria stipulates that the status of residence of foreigners (that is, residence in Bulgaria on a legal basis) gives them a wide range of rights and in many respects they are equal to Bulgarian citizens, the important thing for registration of a foreigner as a farmer is that he has documents certifying the right of ownership or right of use for the agricultural areas/agricultural land or land in which the livestock activity is to be carried out.

As mentioned above, registration is carried out at the Regional Directorate of Agriculture (ODZ) at the permanent address of the individual or sole trader or at the registered office of the legal entity, the process involves filling out survey cards with survey forms.

Although foreign nationals can register as farmers, the question of their participation in the interventions included in Bulgaria's Strategic Plan for Agriculture may require further clarification. Typically, opportunities to participate in government assistance programs and other interventions are associated with specific conditions and criteria, which may vary depending on the person's status and applicable laws and regulations.

So, while foreign citizens with a long-term residence permit can register as farmers, they should consult relevant authorities and experts on their eligibility to participate in various support programmes.

'What are the types of support/State aid for registered farmers? '

Registered farmers in Bulgaria have access to a variety of forms of state support and assistance,which are designed to support and promote their activities. According to the Regulation, these types of support cover both financial resources and various services and information resources. One of the main types of support is financial support under the schemes and measures of the European Agricultural Funds through the Agriculture Fund. This includes various programs and initiatives designed to support and facilitate the development of agricultural holdings in Bulgaria. Funds from the central state aid budget also represent significant support for farmers. These funds are allocated for a variety of purposes, including farm modernisation, sustainable management of agricultural resources and the introduction of innovative practices.

Registered farmers are entitled to receive advice free of charge from the National Agricultural Advisory Service. Such advice can be extremely useful for the management and development of their farms, especially in the areas of sustainable agriculture and the application of new technologies. Free information, analysis and forecasts from the Regional Directorates of Agriculture are another important resource for farmers. They provide valuable information on current market trends, prices of agricultural products and other key factors that can affect agricultural activity. Information on prices and markets of agricultural products from the National Agricultural Advisory Service is an essential tool for farmers. It helps them make informed decisions about their production and optimize their sales strategy.

The possibility of trade with the produced agricultural products in accordance with Art. 55 ZSBT and Art. 10a of the CFSP provide flexibility to farmers and facilitate their activities in the market. The Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development 2023 — 2027 creates additional opportunities to support farmers. It includes a number of interventions and measures aimed at supporting and strengthening the agricultural sector in Bulgaria. Through Ordinance No. 4 of March 30, 2023, the conditions and procedure for applying for assistance under the interventions of the Strategic Plan have been established. This Regulation regulates the application process and provides clear guidelines for participation in the various programmes and initiatives.

Among the interventions included in the Strategic Plan are those aimed at supporting sustainable incomes, support for young farmers, payments for small farmers, a special payment for crop-cotton and production-linked support for dairy and meat cows, as well as sheep and goats. The strategic plan also provides for various eco-schemes, including for organic farming, the maintenance and improvement of biodiversity, the reduction of pesticide use and the maintenance of perennial crops. Various forms of transitional national aid are also foreseen, as well as support for organic crop production and apiculture, which is important for the development of sustainable practices in the sector. Interventions also exist to promote the use of climate-resilient crops and varieties, the conservation of endangered native varieties and breeds, and seasonal grazing practices that are essential for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of agriculture. The Strategic Plan provides registered farmers with a range of support options covering a wide range of activities, from crop and livestock farming to organic production and environmental measures. These interventions aim to improve the efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness of agricultural holdings in Bulgaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal requirements for registering a farmer?

The Law on Assistance to Farmers allows individuals and legal entities to engage in the production and sale of agricultural products in accordance with Bulgarian legislation.

What is the procedure for registering a farmer?

A processo includono una carta di surveia completata e formele di surveying a Regionalità Regionale di Agricultura, la submitzione dei documenti necessari e l'entrata dei dati nel Registro dei Farmers'

What documents are needed for registration of a farmer?

Amongst the required documents are a survey card, an identity document, a certificate of current status and an EEC registration document, as well as additional documents such as an inventory of agricultural areas and a declaration of primary feed activities.