Agriculture in Bulgaria
The sector
Agriculture, forestry and fishing produced 2.8% of gross value added in 2025. In 2024 the sector’s value added was BGN 4.8 billion, 7.3% more than a year earlier in real terms.1,3
Wheat is grown on about 1.1–1.2 million hectares, and sunflower is the second main crop. Wheat, sunflower seed and sunflower oil are the main exports.4,2
Trade
Agri-food trade reached €14.5 billion in 2025. Exports grew 5.6% to €7.12 billion, but imports grew faster, 9.7% to €7.38 billion, after two weak maize harvests. The result was a deficit of €265 million, the first in nearly two decades.2
The EU took 58.3% of Bulgaria’s agri-food exports and supplied 70.5% of imports.2
Support for farmers
- More than BGN 1.8 billion of EU and national direct payments in 2024.
- BGN 976.6 million of state aid.
- BGN 651.6 million from the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 and BGN 36 million from the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Programme.
Source: BTA: Cabinet adopts annual report on the state of agriculture3
The rules on who can own land, including farmland, are explained in who can buy property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What share of Bulgaria’s economy does agriculture account for?
Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 2.8% of Bulgaria’s gross value added in 2025. In 2024, the sector’s value added was BGN 4.8 billion, up 7.3% in real terms from a year earlier.
How much did Bulgaria export in agri-food products in 2025?
Bulgaria’s agri-food exports reached €7.12 billion in 2025, up 5.6%. Imports were €7.38 billion, up 9.7%, leaving a €265 million deficit, the first in nearly two decades.
What share of Bulgaria’s agri-food trade is with the EU?
The EU accounted for 58.3% of Bulgaria’s agri-food exports in 2025 and supplied 70.5% of imports. Total agri-food trade reached €14.5 billion, with exports of €7.12 billion and imports of €7.38 billion.
How much direct support did farmers in Bulgaria receive in 2024?
Farmers received more than BGN 1.8 billion in EU and national direct payments in 2024. The sector also received BGN 976.6 million in state aid, BGN 651.6 million from the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 and BGN 36 million from the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Programme.
Sources
- BTA: Bulgaria’s GDP up 3.1% in 2025, National Statistical Institute (6 March 2026)
- BNR: Agricultural trade in the red for the first time in two decades (3 July 2026)
- BTA: Cabinet adopts annual report on the state of agriculture
- Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture: Bulgaria land market report 2025 (PDF)
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
