“RuralUp!“ will illustrate the attractiveness of rural areas in Bulgaria

The project aims to increase the awareness of interested parties and the general public in Bulgaria regarding the contribution of the EU and CAP to the development of rural areas and sustainable agriculture. CAP support for promoting generational renewal and attracting women to agriculture will be the focus of the CAP Green Zone: RuralUp! project. Its implementation started on August 1, 2024 and will continue until July 31, 2025.

The project lays down a number of information measures that will be implemented within 1 year. Their aim is to increase stakeholders’ knowledge of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2023-2027) plans to increase the share of sustainable and organic food production in the context of nature and biodiversity conservation.

RuralUp! continues the efforts of the CAP Green Zone project to raise interest in the new EU CAP.

CAP Green Zone: RuralUP! will focus mainly on promoting the European Pact for Rural Areas as part of its long-term vision for EU rural areas by 2040.

Main objectives of the project:

• Informing all interested parties in Bulgaria about the latest developments within the framework of the new CAP and the National Strategic Plan, as well as the Pact for Rural Areas.
• Illustrating how the CAP (including national CAP strategic plans) supports the transition to sustainable food production systems, ensures food security and the long-term sustainability of EU agriculture.
• Promotion of the role of CAP for the modernization of municipalities in rural areas among the young urban population.
• Illustrate how the CAP supports young farmers and improves the gender balance by increasing women’s participation in agriculture.
• Presenting the sector as attractive, offering business opportunities for young and innovative farmers, while highlighting the contribution of the CAP to supporting economic growth in rural areas.

CAP Green Zone: RuralUP! includes the following activities that will take place in the period August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024:

– Thematic webinars “Rural Voices”: Conducting 7 webinars that will address important topics such as rural modernization, sustainable agriculture and innovation.

– Sustainable farm visits: Organization of 3 visits to sustainable farms, where participants will learn about good practices in the field of sustainable agriculture.

– Inter-university conference: A discussion between experts, students and interested parties to discuss the possibilities for the development of rural areas.

– Participation in traditional village meetings and exhibitions: Attendance at key events such as Inter Food & Drink and Agra Plovdiv, in order to popularize the project and inform the general public.

– Creation of videos and online content: Presenting success stories and good practices from rural areas