Mixed forecast for agriculture for the ten entrants into the EU
• Total level of support per ha under the common agricultural policy considerably lower than in the present EU countries
• Only 8 per cent of Poland's two million small and inefficient farms are ready to compete within the EU
See table: Wheat up, rye down
• At least half of those employed in agriculture in central and eastern Europe suffer from hidden unemployment. New farm jobs not likely to absorb more than a fraction of this 'excess labour'
• Semi-subsistence dairy farming may decline with EU health and hygiene standards. Alternative income opportunities will also become available
• Average cereal production in 10 states -- 3.8 tonnes/ha in 2009. Current EU figure -- 6 tonnes/ha
• Semi-natural grasslands abandoned as livestock declined since 1990 will remain unmanaged because economic support to increase cattle and sheep is strongly limited. In productive areas, on the other hand, intensification and conversion to arable land will threaten species-rich grasslands.
Source: European Environment Agency 2004, Agriculture and the environment in the EU accession countries, Environmental issue report, No 30, Copenhagen; Meredith Swisher 1999, Agriculture as a challenge to Poland's accession to the European Union, Boston College International & Comparative Law Review Vol 23, No 1
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.