Agricultural policy and sustainable agriculture in Estonia
1995
Sepp, M.
Estonia is the smallest country near the Baltic Sea. Total surface of 45.000 square km corresponding closely to that of Denmark. The agricultural area has diminished in the last 50 years. At present agriculture covers from close by 30 per cent, forest land (46 per cent) has increased in recent decades. The total area of arable land was 1.100.000 ha in 1994. Compared with the situation in 1989 however, around 20 per cent of the land is left idle. The main task of the arable sector has been to supply the animal sector with its feed requirements. In 1994 about 61 per cent of the arable land was planted to fodder crops. The total areas of rye, wheat, barly and oats were 320.000 ha in 1994. Average yield of cereals being slightly above 2000 kg per ha in the last years of the Soviet era, but decreasing afterwards, due to a lack of ferilizers and plant protection chemicals. Estonian Ministry of Agriculutre has formulated options and alternative strategies for a sustainable development of rural areas. The main goals for developing sustainable agriculture in Estonia are: 1) to ensure satisfactory income for farmers; 2) to supply Estonian consumer with healthy food; 3) to ensure stable employment opportunities in the countryside; 4) to maintain traditional landscapes and natural values; 5) protection of resources (soil, water protection; energy conservation; conservation of biodiversity).
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