Balkan Biocert, based in Plovdiv, is the first and, thus far, the only Bulgarian organic inspection and certification agency. Balkan Biocert was set up with the help of two Swiss organisations: FiBL provides technical assistance, trains staff and helps with national and international accreditation; IMO guarantees the validity and the international recognition of the certificates issued by Balkan Biocert. Both FiBL and IMO are highly esteemed organisations in the field of organic farming. Balkan Biocert certifies producers as well as processing plants. Explanation of procedures and application forms are available from their website www.balkanbiocert.com. Other options for inspection and certification include working with international agencies with offices in Bulgaria, such as QC&I (also with offices in Plovdiv) or working directly with overseas agencies, such as The Soil Association based in Bristol, UK.

Gaia
If there is one thing lacking from the organic guide on these pages, it's fresh produce - fruit and vegetables. This is what Tamara Lev felt when she started the only organic box delivery scheme - Gaia - in Sofia in August 2006. Box schemes are extremely popular in countries like the UK and the US. They are an excellent way for producers to reach consumers directly. The produce in Gaia's boxes is grown in two villages near Plovdiv and in Kliment near Karlovo. The content of each box varies according to the season. A summer box would contain tomatoes, cucumbers, red and green peppers, courgettes, green onions, dill. It may also contain other organic products like honey or herb tea. All products originate in Bulgaria. The products are certified organic by QC&I, IMO and Balkan Biocert, says Lev. Gaia's boxes will be available again when winter is over. Contact gaia.organic@gmail.com for more information.