The Plovdiv Agrarian University adapts its curricula and creates new specialties according to the new realities in the world, including increasing food consumption as a result of the growing population, climate changes, demographic problems and depopulating regions, said University Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Activities Prof Dimo Atanasov at the Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills conference in Plovdiv on Tuesday.
"We are trying to preserve and develop our traditions and methods, the knowledge and experience gained over the years", Atanasov pointed out. He said that through its research projects, the university tries to direct young scientists to problems and areas relevant to society. He noted the fact that the Agrarian University has become a member of one of the major European university alliances, Unigreen, where it partners with seven other European universities from Spain, Iceland, France, Italy, Portugal, Poland and Belgium.
According to him, this selection of universities is not accidental, because they complement each other. "There are many large universities, we are a relatively small university, but we specialize in the field of agriculture", he emphasised, adding that it is the main industry that produces food and supports the rest of the economy. "In Bulgaria, we have unique conditions for its development, and at the Agrarian University we are trying to take advantage of these strengths of the economy and guide young people to develop in the field of agriculture", Atanasov said.
The Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project is a continuation of the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future and Europe in Bulgaria: A Common Future projects, implemented by BTA in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The main objective of the project will be to provide objective and comprehensive information and an accurate overall picture of the European Union's cohesion policy in all Bulgarian regions. Special emphasis will be placed on skills and knowledge as an engine for regional development.
As part of the project, in the period from November 2024 to September 2025, BTA will organize discussions in its regional press clubs in the following cities: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kazanlak, Kardjali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik , Pernik, Petrich, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Samokov, Svishtov, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Troyan, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen and Yambol. BTA will also hold cross-border conferences in Belgrade, Bosilegrad, Bucharest, Edirne, Skopje and Thessaloniki.
