The crisis of Portugese agriculture in relation to the EEC challenge

Abstract

The paper investigates the crisis of Portugese agriculture and the challenges connected with Portugal's integration into the European Economic Community (EEC). An historical overview of the economic and social development of the agricultural sector since the 1950s is provided. Additionally, a discussion of the principal differences between the Portugese agricultural crisis and that of other advanced European countries and the U.S. is carried out. In this portion of the paper it is argued that agriculture in Portugal is characterized by low levels of productivity and production which contrast with the high levels of productivity and overproduction of other European and North American countries. Finally, an analysis of the possible future consequences of Portugal's further integration into the EEC is provided.