EVOLUTION OF APPLE PRODUCTION IN THE POST-MACROSOCIAL TRANSFORMATION PERIOD

Abstract

The apple is the most widespread fruit species of the temperate climate and has great economic importance. It is characterized by high productivity, good transportability and storability of the fruits. The apples can be offered on the market all year round with a good organization of the assortment and ensure a refrigerated base. The apple production ensures much healthy benefits of people like food, vitamins, fiber, etc. Also it could be seen as an activity that achieves good economic results. The greater return on resources invested in this production will facilitate an increase in the standard of living of employed in this activity. Also, many authors examine apple production, both on a global and national scale. Leading producers of apples in the world are China, USA, Poland and Turkey. In the EU – 27 are Poland, Italy and France in 2021. The aim of the study is to examine the evolution of apple production in Bulgaria for the period after the 1990s. We analyzed apple harvested areas, average yield and production through descriptive statistics methods. In adition we did correlation analysis with follow indicators: export and import quantity and value, production, as well as prices and quantity of export. It was founded that the transition to a market economy in Bulgarian agriculture also had a negative impact on foreign trade in fresh fruit. As a result of all these Bulgaria had turned from an exporter into an importer of fruit