Regulation No. 5 of 24 February 2015 on the implementation of measure 13 "Payments for areas with natural or other specific limitations" of the Rural Development Program 2014-2020.

This Regulation sets out conditions and procedures related to the implementation of financial aid measure number 13 " Payments for areas with natural or other specific limitations" part of the Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period from 2014 until 2020, aimed for eligible applicants who perform agricultural activity in less-favored areas present on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
This measure provides compensatory payments to farmers operating in areas with natural or other specific constraints. It includes two sub-measures: 13.1 for mountainous regions and 13.2 for other significantly disadvantaged areas. The regulation aims to support agricultural activity in these regions, prevent land abandonment, combat depopulation, preserve landscapes and biodiversity, and promote sustainable land use. The financial aid is granted annually per hectare and is co-financed by the EU (75%) and the Bulgarian state (25%). Eligibility criteria include being an active farmer with a minimum farm size, maintaining land in good agricultural condition, and adhering to cross-compliance rules. The application process is managed by the State Fund Agriculture, which also conducts administrative and on-site checks. The regulation also details payment calculations, conditions for refusal or recovery of funds, and exceptions in cases of force majeure.