At first glance, this appears to be just another farming story from the Balkan Mountains. Yet the contemporary interpretation given to it by Tsvetomir Hristov turns it into an inspiring narrative of entrepreneurial spirit, preservation of centuries-old local traditions, adoption of modern technologies, community building, and respect for nature.

A Profile of a Visionary Entrepreneur

When we speak about innovation, we rarely picture sheep, cattle, and horses. And when we speak about livestock farming, we do not always expect a profile like that of Tsvetomir Hristov – a man with four higher education degrees and a broad range of interests, spanning from artistic ceramics and tourism to culinary arts, management of European projects, and animal engineering.

Tsvetomir is a sixth-generation farmer. He returns to his hometown of Etropole to help his father manage a flock of 85 sheep and gradually identifies an opportunity to build a sustainable business model in organic livestock farming. Today, he runs a certified organic farm with more than 630 sheep, 85 cattle, and 25 horses, all from local breeds.

Science, Tradition, and Local Breeds

In his work, Tsvetomir combines an academic approach with deep respect for tradition. His experience shows that the most suitable breeds for the local conditions are Bulgarian ones, adapted and selected over generations, rather than high-yield imported lines. This leads him to raise the West Balkan sheep, an endangered local breed, combining scientific knowledge with the practical wisdom of his ancestors.

“The genetic code embedded in animals that are typical and traditional for the region exists in symbiosis with the microflora of the area,” he explains.

Early in his agricultural career, Tsvetomir receives the Young Farmer Award, and subsequently prepares and implements six projects funded by European programmes.

According to him, one of the main challenges facing the sector remains the shortage of labour and the low social prestige of the profession.

“There are still stereotypes in society that do not reflect reality,” he says.

Financing for Modernisation and Sustainable Growth

A key milestone in the development of the farm is the support provided by the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB). Through targeted financing aimed at modernisation and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, Tsvetomir invests in modern equipment and mechanisation that reduce physical labour, increase efficiency, and improve working conditions.

The farm’s milking system is largely automated, monitoring production volumes and supporting servicing and cleaning processes, which contributes to higher hygiene standards and better operational organisation. Equipment for pasture maintenance has also been secured, along with electronic solutions for herd management.

BDB’s support enables the farm to take a significant step towards a more sustainable, technologically advanced, and long-term viable development model, in line with the bank’s mission to promote investments with economic and social impact.

“I invest in equipment, buildings, and better conditions not to expand at any cost, but to make production more efficient, cleaner, and sustainable. I work in a way that allows me to be independent – including energy independence,” the entrepreneur explains.

A Closed Production Cycle with Open Doors

Tsvetomir has developed a closed production cycle – from the animal to the end customer. He sells directly from the farm cheese, lamb, and beef, as well as the traditional local delicacy “krokmach”, made from specially processed sheep’s milk. This model also supports local tourism, encouraging visitors to explore the region and the production process on site.

Education, Community, and Continuity

This vision gives rise to “Gorunaka Complex” – a restored building of the former village school, transformed into a space dedicated to traditional lifestyles, knowledge, and Bulgarian cultural heritage. The complex welcomes over 2,000 children each year, helping them learn about the connection between nature, culture, and food.

“We want children to understand what it means to be part of nature, what real food is, and that being a livestock farmer is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be proud of,” says Tsvetomir.

The project also carries strong personal significance: the school was built by his great-grandfather on land he donated. After 2000, Tsvetomir and his family restored their inherited land and acquired the school building in order to give it new meaning and a renewed public role.

Development Through Cooperation

His public engagement extends well beyond his own farm. Tsvetomir is Chairman of the Breeding Association for Local Sheep Breeds in Western Bulgaria, an active participant in the Etropole Local Action Group, and a member of the leadership of the United Bulgarian Livestock Breeders Association.

“In order for there to be a market, there must be other good farmers as well. You cannot build an entire sector on your own, but together, we can,” the entrepreneur states firmly.