INTERNATIONAL SOYA SIMPOSIUM Report: Bulgaria

1. INTERNATIONAL SOYA SIMPOSIUM Report:Bulgaria Dr. Georgi Georgiev, Sen. Res. Assosiate Тel.++3590610/ 522 75 Mob.++3590888/763557 Е-mail:oss_pavlikeni@abv.bg

2. AREA, YIELD, AND PRODUCTION OF SOYBEAN IN BULGARIA The development of soybean planting in Bulgaria indicates period of upward trend (1978 to 1985 – 90 000 ha) and periods of reduction when soybean planting decreased less than 2000 ha. International Soya Symposium 2012

3. MATURITY GROUP RANGES IN BULGARIA During the last decade new productive and stress-resistant varieties were created, that may be grouped as follows: early variety (Avigea) and mid-early ones (Pavlikeni, Daniela, Mira, Srebrina, Rosa, Richi). The productive potential of the varieties constituted 2 t/ha in non-irrigated and 3-3,5 t/ ha under irrigated conditions, and crude protein content over 38-40%. An improved soybean production technology has been created and adapted to different climatic conditions in Bulgaria. • Common time of sowing is during the month of April. • The time of harvesting is within the month of September. International Soya Symposium 2012

4. STATUS, PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES IN PLANT PROTECTION, CLIMATE AND WATER SUPPLY Over the time of reproductive period (June – August -flowering and pod filling) essential problems are drought combined with high ambient temperatures (over 40oC) and low air humidity (20-30%) . In non-irrigated areas soybean production is often at risk. Yields of soybean at irrigated and non-irrigated conditions International Soya Symposium 2012

5. EXPORT / IMPORT OF SOYA, SOYA MEAL AND OTHER SOYA PRODUCTS • In Bulgaria the shortage of protein in animal nutrition is usually covered by import of soybean products (from Brasilia, Argentina, USA) thus the market niche for soybean and its products is open. • The import of soybean meal in different years ranged between 120 000-150 000 tons per year (90% and more is from GMO soybean) International Soya Symposium 2012

6. WHAT IS THE MAIN COMPETITOR FOR SOYBEAN? • The main competitor for soybean in Bulgariaduring the last 7- 8 yearsis the rape (nearly 200000 ha). Almostall rape production is exported for countries in EU. • The rape is main competitor of soybean oil, but not for soybean protein. The deficiency is usually imported in the form of soybean mils . International Soya Symposium 2012

7. MAIN FACTORS INFLUENCING NEGATTIVELY ON SOYBEAN PRODUCTION IN THE LAST 10-20 YEARS • non-observancethe crop rotation; • heavily weeded fields; • lack of economic stimulus for the producers; • most of the land used for plant production is non- irrigated; • the lack of special soybean processing equipment. International Soya Symposium 2012

8. SITUATION OF GMO IN SOYA AND OTHER CROPS (e.d. Maiz), LEGAL SITUATION OF GMOs IN BULGARIA The last additionsof Low of GMO (March 30, 2010 year) in Bulgaria included the total prohibition for growing of the GMO, as well as those permitted in EU. International Soya Symposium 2012

9. POTENTIAL IN SOYBEAN PRODUCTION IN BULGARIA • All regions favourable for maize production are also favourable for soybean production. • New high yielding soybean varieties and adequate technology for soybean production were developed. • Agricultural machinery and equipment for soybean production are available • No equipment for soybean processing is available. International Soya Symposium 2012

10. Soybean experimental station – Pavlikeni www.soystation.eu The Soybean Experimental station in Pavlikeni, is the only scientific unit in Bulgaria which is taking scientific, applied and serving activity in the soybean production on a regional and national level. The major research activities of the station are: - breeding of new varieties, adapted to the abiotic and biotic factors of environment; - agricultural, ecological and economic aspects of the soybean production; - seed production of certified varieties. International Soya Symposium 2012

11. Thank you for kindly invitation to take part in International Soya Symposium! International Soya Symposium 2012