Organic model farm

ORGANIC MODEL-FARM

TOPOLOVO village,  MADZHAROVO municipality 

This model-farm plays a key-role in the New Thracian Gold (NTG) Project.  

NTG is a project of the Dutch Foundations Ark and Avalon and aims to support the Eastern Rhodopes region by combining organic agriculture, natural grazing and eco-tourism.

This organic farm that is private property of Mr. Krassimir Arabadziev is certified since 2008 and is used for demonstration and training in organic farming practices throughout the NTG project period and beyond.

On this model-farm the following activities are applied:

BIOLOGICAL CROP PRODUCTION

The farm of Mr. Krassimir Arabadzhiev applies the following  principles of organic agriculture:

o No agro-chemicals such as mineral fertilizers, pesticides for plant protection or GMO are being used;

o Soil fertility is improved by application of composted organic manure and legume crops, recycling organic matter and crop rotations;

o Diversity of plants is maintained thus creating flexibility in protection from pest and diseases and in bringing alternative income.

ORGANIC LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRY 

Organic livestock breeding uses only organically-certified fodder.  Organic manure and residues are composted using “Californian earthworms” and applied back in crop husbandry to achieve sustainable yields. 

NATURAL GRAZING OF DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK

Organic livestock uses natural and free-range pastures, so animals are grazing free and express their innate behaviour.  The stress to animals is minimal, milk and meat quality is better.

RARE LOCAL BREEDS – KARAKACHAN SHEEP AND RHODOPI SHORTHORN CATTLE

These breeds are adapted best to the local agro-climatic and ecological conditions, utilise natural pastures, suffer rarely from diseases and therefore use of prohibited antibiotics and drugs is not necessary.  They are reliable source of sustainable income.