Български
EnglishIn response to the chronic lack of quality local products and the need for stable economic development, Ivelin Mihaylov and Pavel Stoimenov are launching an ambitious initiative for the gradual building of a Bulgarian economy. Their goal is to create a sustainable model that shows how agriculture and rural life can thrive in Bulgaria, while at the same time addressing corruption and the challenges faced by small producers.
Motivation and Challenges: From Abroad to Bulgarian Soil
The idea for this initiative was born out of personal impressions. Ivelin Mihaylov shares that during his travels in Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and England, he was disappointed with the quality of salads and vegetables abroad, stating firmly that nowhere are they like the Bulgarian ones. This lack of taste and quality in supposedly “good” and expensive restaurants in Europe is one of the main driving forces behind starting a new economic development in the homeland.
The initiative, however, is not without obstacles. Mihaylov openly talks about the existing “mafia” and the repressions directed against their activities. He says they are already accustomed to and understand what is happening, and are starting a “counter-offensive” to protect specific businesses and attack their opponents. It is emphasized that alongside their ongoing political work, it is extremely important to simultaneously create both an economy and skilled workers, otherwise the people they work with begin to struggle.
Agriculture – the Main Pillar of the New Development
One of the main spheres in which the initiative will develop is agriculture. The goal is to create “an incredible agriculture in Bulgaria,” so good that foreigners will come to eat here, thereby developing both tourism and agriculture at the same time.
As a symbolic example of unique Bulgarian produce, the “water onion”, also called Reselevski or shallot, is highlighted. This onion is not spicy and gives salads an unmatched taste that, according to Mihaylov, even surpasses Greek cuisine. However, growing it requires specific conditions – it is produced from seedlings, needs a lot of water, and demands significant manual labor. Currently, this onion is produced in very small quantities – only about 5% of the total onion production in Bulgaria – since small producers have no market and cannot sell their output.
A Model of Cooperation: “Co-entrepreneurs,” not Workers
Ivelin Mihaylov and Pavel Stoimenov are not looking merely for workers, but for “co-entrepreneurs” – people who will be business-minded, produce, and be driven. Pavel Stoimenov provides the land, preparation, and necessary machinery, while profits from the produce will be shared equally – 50/50 – with those who work it. Ivelin Mihaylov will take responsibility for distributing the produce.
The initiative also offers support to secure basic living and working conditions. Assistance will be provided for buying houses in villages such as Brest, Gigen, and other settlements in Bulgaria, especially in areas around the Danube River, where water is abundant and important for growing water onions. Greenhouses will also be built, along with support for livestock farming – for example, a family can live comfortably and have an income from raising 200 sheep.
The Problem of the Market and State Support
One of the main problems small producers face is the lack of an organized market, which forces them to sell their products on the roadside. The initiative aims to solve this by organizing a market through the development of tourism and the creation of cooperatives that unite producers and give them access to customers.
The role of the state is sharply criticized. According to Mihaylov and Stoimenov, it does not work in favor of small and medium-sized producers. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) do not finance these people, while funds from the RDP (Rural Development Program) are “stolen” by certain circles. In contrast, Romania is cited as an example, where producers receive free greenhouses and interest-free loans for 20–30 years, leading to a boom in production. In Bulgaria, such support is missing – even water is withheld from farmers, keeping them in poverty and dependent on social benefits and subsidies that can be stopped for political reasons.
The goal of the initiative is to create a working model that one day can be adopted by the state, once there are statesmen who think about development rather than theft.
A Call to Action: Building a Future in the Villages
Ivelin Mihaylov and Pavel Stoimenov extend an invitation to all people who want to work, develop, and live peacefully in the countryside to join the initiative. They emphasize that no one will get rich overnight, but they will have the opportunity to build something to be proud of. An inspiring example is Pavel’s daughter, who, though born and raised in Sofia and educated in Germany and England, chose to return and live in the village of Brest.
A complete arrangement is proposed – from securing land and houses (even with loans, similar to buying apartments in Sofia) to building greenhouses and supporting livestock farming. Ivelin Mihaylov expresses confidence that many people will feel wonderful in these villages, especially when there is entrepreneurial initiative and support where they can grow, rather than simply exist.
The goal is for villages like Brest and Gigen to become “paradise gardens” through joint efforts and the parallel development of both the economy and political activity. “Whoever truly wants to work, let them come and join. We will provide land, houses, greenhouses, livestock – no problem at all. As long as the person wants to work,” the initiators urge.
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