Pierwsze osiem lat finŽskiego rolnictwa w unii europejskiej

Agriculture plays the key role in the Finnish national economy. Accession to the EU influenced it very much. Lowering of prices for agricultural products was the first effect of integration. Processes of concentration of land and agricultural production took place. After the accession Finland received considerable support from the EU funds. However, it has been then limited according to the Agenda 200 rules. Now important role plays the programme for supporting the less favourable rural areas for agricultural production and environment protecting programmes. In 2002 total aid of the EU to Finland amounted to 720 mln Euro. The real value of income from agricultural activity has not changed during the last 10 years. Rural population incomes have increased because of the growth in non-farm revenues.