Regulatory Framework for the Management of Plant Protection Activities in the Republic of Bulgaria

The dynamic international trade of goods is directly correlated with the application of phytosanitary measures in the import and export of agricultural commodities. The control methods applied are one of the most important activities aimed at protecting plants and plant products against harmful organisms. The aim of the current study is to analyze and trace the main features of the adopted regulatory requirements in the Republic of Bulgaria linked to the application of established policies in the implementation of plant protection activities as a condition for ensuring the safety of agricultural production. All national regulatory and legislative institutions are working towards ensuring that mechanisms are in place through the development of regulatory requirements that reliably protect the health of their country's population. Legislation regarding the management of plant protection activities emphasises the implementation of policies related to integrated pest management and sets out basic principles which are subsequently imposed as requirements on all stakeholders to implement. The legal framework integrates requirements for the entire agri-food and supply chain business, identifying each of its elements in a holistic and continuous process. The introduction of requirements links all crop protection activities to the type and frequency of controls according to established regulations.