Rural areas in Bulgaria have an untapped potential, both in the use and protection of available resources and their socio-economic development, and for generation of additional income. Their sustainable development would balance the economic, social, and environmental growth and significantly improve the rural quality of life. The aim of this study is to identify the theoretical and methodological foundations for the management of sustainable development of rural areas in Bulgaria. On the basis of the general scientific methods of induction, deduction and translation, content analysis, and critical analysis of documents and literature sources, the following are reasoned: 1) the theoretical foundations of sustainable development; 2) the strategic framework for sustainable development; 3) the problems in defining the rural territories; 4) the development of alternative tourism as a good practice for the diversification of the functional use of the territory. The article argues that the management of sustainable development is based on the collaboration between the authorities, local communities and businesses for the diversification in the functional use of the territory and the optimal utilization of available resources.

Contemporary farming offers new opportunities and poses new challenges to meeting the demand for safe and quality food. Technological innovations in the sector relate to increased environmental protection and applying environmentally friendly farming practices. At the same time, they contribute to improved management and higher profitability of innovative farms, in addition to meeting consumer demand for green products. Integrated farming is a practical model of food production in compliance with the principles of sustainable farming. This model illustrates the manner in which contemporary farming may observe all economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainable development. Applying that model in food production requires focusing on the rational exploitation of natural resources and observing high environmental standards. As a matter of fact, organic farming has already become an established model for the development of innovative farms and its development over the last years indicates significant dynamic trends in Bulgarian farming practices. This paper focuses on the need to develop sustainable farming by managing the components of the farming system through sustainable farming models. It also examines the relation among conventional, integrated, and organic farming and puts an emphasis on existing opportunities for developing organic and integrated farming in Bulgaria. The paper also reviews some of the challenges faced by two sustainable farming models, namely, organic and integrated farming.

The EU policy is aimed at raising the standard of living in rural areas and supporting the processes related to uncovering and utilising their full potential. Rural territories in Bulgaria have unexploited potential, both in the use and protection of available resources and their social economic development, as well as in the generation of additional income. Through their sustainable development, a balance between economic, social and ecological growth would be achieved and the quality of life in them would be significantly improved. The purpose of the research is related to the study of the contribution of a sustainable organic agriculture model to achieve a multiplier effect on the rural area, as well as the linkage between organic agriculture and alternative tourism. The innovative organic agriculture model is undoubtedly one of the possibilities with a significant influence to achieve greater sustainability in the development of the rural economy in a territorial scope. The strong connection and interdependence between the economic entities in agriculture and tourism sectors is fully manifested when the interests of all interested parties in the development process of the specific territory are well combined.

Foods are a natural necessity for sustaining the life of the human body. Therefore, it is important for each person to be able to meet their needs, depending on their individual diet. There are more and more people who prefer Bulgarian products on their table. Many consumers are looking for quality and healthy products through direct contact with producers in the region, in farmers' markets, but also in large food chains. The problem is that products from small and family farms can hardly reach the stands in food chains, where most of the products offered are still of foreign origin. The purpose of our study is related to the study of the possibilities for realization of agricultural products from small and family farms in Bulgaria. The research methods used in the study include: general research methods, survey, summary and synthesis, logical method, tabular, graphical and schematic presentation of characteristics and trends. The results of the research can be systematized in several directions: the answers for solving the problems of small agricultural farms, related to the successful realization of their seasonal production, are sought; the need for greater support for small farms in each region is revealed. In this regard, the role of all stakeholders in the chain, incl. and the need for active implementation of both state tools and the assistance of local authorities on a regional scale. In conclusion, measures to improve the supply chain of agricultural products from small farms must be aimed at strong horizontal and vertical integration between key figures in the sector. The state national policy for increasing the competitiveness of small and family farms must constantly follow the focus on small farmers, who find it difficult to sell products in general and even more so in emergency situations. Greater support for small farms in each region is more than needed.

The modern ecological crisis that the world is experiencing today is much more threatening than economic and threatens us all because of the increased exploitation of the Earth's natural resources. This is why there is a growing talk of organic production and more precisely organic farming. Organic farming is an important priority in agriculture development policy in the Republic of Bulgaria and one of the highlights of the common agricultural policy for the period 2014-2020. It is a fact that interest in organically produced food and drink is strengthened in Global scale. The purpose of our research is related to the study of the market environment in Bulgaria for the realization of organic production. The research methods used in the study include: general scientific research Methods, survey, generalization and synthesis, logical method, tabular, graphical and schematic representation of characteristics and trends. The results of the survey can be systematised in several directions: the growth of production and the number of farmers in the bio-production sector in recent years is mainly due to increased market demand, as well as to The increase in interest on the question "food quality with which we eat"; There is still an underdeveloped market for organic production in Bulgaria; The main problems are related to limited channels for distribution of production in the country, low market share of organic products, difficulties in the production process, presence of counterfeit organic products; High cost; Not sufficient consumer information, etc. The fact that the number of bio-based products is growing is an indicator that agro-entrepreneurs see potential for development in this direction, despite the general negative trends in economic development as a whole, and consumers remain interested. In conclusion, measures to improve the supply chain of organic products in Bulgaria should be directed towards a strong horizontal and vertical integration between the key figures in the sector. The effect of producer associations on a territorial/regional scope would be particularly pronounced.