Competitiveness of Bulgarian Grain Producers

Grain production is important for Bulgarian economy because it is source of resources for food industry. Grain production is also vital for live stock and food security in the coun­try. Bulgarian farmers are exposed to several important factors affecting their competitive­ness: the instability of the global market, the strong competition, the increasing intensity of adverse natural events, and many others. Therefore, they face the necessity to increase its own competitiveness in order to keep and enlarge market share. Doing successful busi­ness today requires companies in the sector to know well and be more closely related with their suppliers and customers, to coordinate joint activities, and to manage relationships with them effectively and efficiently, which forms the basis of supply chain management practices. The article presents the essence, structure and characteristics of grain supply chains, and it identifies the key success fac­tors for their management. Outlined are the problems and difficulties faced by Bulgarian grain producers managing their supply chains, and options to address them are proposed. The study argues that the optimization of the grain supply chain, as well as the improve­ment of the technical infrastructure, could in­crease the competitiveness of Bulgarian grain producers on the national and international market.