Restructuring of the livestock production in central and eastern European countries

Abstract

Before the transition the principal development objective for the animal production sector in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries was the attainment of national self-sufficiency, and, is some countries, export orientation. Increasing production costs and the low productivity were compensated through subsides. During the first years of transition, the number of animals declined from 20 to 80 percent, due to the drastic reduction of demand (elimination of subsides and family revenue decrease), disruption of traditional markets, rise of the cost of production. The establishment of a large number of small private farms have led to the creation of specific production systems in a number of countries. Countries which have retained large production units are confronted with needs to update technology in accordance with new requirements (market, environment). Following the request of made by CEE countries, EAAP has established a Task Force on CEE countries. The Task Force has organised seven meetings (round tables, workshops and seminars) in the period 1991-96. Some experts from CEE and Western Europe participated at these events. Over 1400 pages of studies and proceedings have been published. The Task Force has completed its tasks in 1996, when a Contact Group on CEE countries has been established to identify the major policy issues influencing animal production in CEE, to prepare and organise meetings to address these policy questions, and to promote an increase in effectiveness of linkages between CEE and Western European countries.