1. The Rural Development context of Lithuania

 1.1. General description of the region

1.1.1        Lithuania’s geographic position

Lithuania is located in the eastern part of Europe, bordering Latvia in the north (610 km long border), Belarus to the east and south (724 km) and Poland to the south (110 km), as well as Kalilingrad region of Russia (303 km) to the south-west. The total surface area of Lithuania is 65.3 thousand sq. km (roughly the size of Ireland).

The country forms part of the great North European Plain, and landscape alternates between hilly areas and flat plains. There are two elevated regions with a maximum of 290 m above sea level, and three plains and lowlands. Lithuania has 758 rivers longer than 10 km, and there are 2834 lakes larger than 0.5 ha. Forests cover 30 per cent of the territory. Lithuania has a maritime climate in its coastal zones and a continental one in the central part and in east. Under the influence of westerly winds, the summers are moderately warm, there is 80 per cent humidity, and little snow in winter. The average temperature in January is -4.9 C and +17.2 C in July. The growing season varies between 169 and 202 days.

Two transportation corridors of European importance run through Lithuania. North-South road and rail routes connecting Scandinavia with Central Europe, and East-West routes linking the huge Eastern markets with the rest of Europe, cross through Lithuania. A network of 4-lane highways links major industrial centres of the country. The port of Klaipeda is the only ice-free seaport on the Eastern Baltic. There are regular cargo-ferry lines including rail and Ro-Ro ships between Klaipeda and German, Swedish and Danish seaports. Lithuania has 3 international airports. These serve 2 national and 8 international airline operators. 

1.1.2        Rural areas in Lithuania

The definitions of town, urban-type settlement and other settlements are included in the Law on the Territorial Administrative Units of the Republic of Lithuania and their Boundaries (Adopted on 19^th July, 1994, No. I-558) Article 3: The Concept of the Populated Areas of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania. The definitions are presented below:

The towns are compactly built up residential areas with a population exceeding 3000. More than 2/3 of the working population are employed in industry, business and production and social infrastructure.

The towns of the Republic of Lithuania with a population of less than 3000, regional towns and urban-type settlements and residential areas shall be considered as towns even after the coming into effect of the Law on the Territorial Administrative Units of the Republic of Lithuania and their Boundaries.

Small towns are compactly built up residential areas with a population from 500 up to 3000. More than half of the working population is employed in industry, business and production and social infrastructures, as well as traditional small towns.

Villages are other residential areas having no characteristic features of a town and a small town.

Exact boundaries of towns are defined by the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

Table 1. Rural areas in Lithuania - population and area, at the end of 1998

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999

The rural areas are of substantial importance in terms of both surface area and population. At the end of 1998, the rural areas covered 63.6 thousand sq. km. This equalled 97.4% of the total Lithuanian surface area. (Table 1 )

At the end of 1998, the rural population was estimated at 1.178 million inhabitants, i. e. accounted for 31.8 per cent of the total Lithuanian population. (Table 1 )

1.1.3        Administrative structures

The country is divided into 10 administrative units (NUTS III) – counties (apskritis). The counties are divided into smaller administrative units - districts (rajonas). Lithuania is divided in 44 districts. (Map 2 )

Agricultural and rural development policy is set at national level. Administration and implementation of policy is carried out at national, regional (county) and district levels. In policy formation, the Ministry of Agriculture plays a major role. It approves agricultural and rural development directions and measures for public support. These directions are mainly set in the Rural Support Fund (RSF) - a main instrument for agricultural and rural development policy implementation. While the national authorities formulate policy, the local authorities are involved in the RSF grant processing and payment schemes.

As well as administrative institutions, many social and economic partners (e.g., Lithuanian Farmers Association, Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service, State Veterinary Service etc.) have their representatives at district level. They also play a role in the agricultural and rural development policy formulation and implementation process. However, the local institutions have not sufficient capacity to elaborate and implement effectively development programs. Thus, technical assistance is required to administrate effectively public support.

1.1.4        Human settlements system

Lithuania has a well-balanced network of human settlements, which was mainly formed after 1945. Now two major cities – Vilnius and Kaunas – have a population exceeding 400,000; Klaipeda, Siauliai and Panevezys have more than 100,000; Marijampole and Alytus have more than 50,000; 13 towns have from 20,000 to 50,000 inhabitants; and 19 towns have from 10,000 to 20,000 inhabitants. There are also 68 small towns and urban-type settlements in rural areas with a population of less than 20,000. (Map 3in Annex I).

32 per cent of the total Lithuanian population lives in approximately 22,000 rural settlements of various sizes. Most of them are small villages with a population of less than 50 inhabitants. (Table 2 )

Table 2. Rural settlements, 1997

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1998

The proportion of the urban-rural population in counties also demonstrates the even distribution of the population. There are 3 counties with an above average urban population, as well as 3 counties with an above rural population and 4 counties with about average. (Table 26 in Annex I).

The even distribution of population is considered by the Government to be an important strength of Lithuania. It provides a sound basis for sustainability of regions and rural communities.

1.1.5        Rural population

At the end of 1998, Lithuania’s population was estimated at 3,703,000 inhabitants – 15,000 less than in 1995. The rural population accounted for nearly one third (31.8 per cent) of the total population. From 1994 to 1996, the total population decreased at an annual rate of 1 per 1,000. In 1996, the decline accelerated to 4.3 per 1,000 in rural areas, while in urban areas the population grew at a rate of 0.5 per 1,000. Nearly the same trends remained in 1997-98.

At the end of 1998, the average population density was 56.7 inhabitants per sq. km. Average rural population density were 18.2 inhabitant per sq. km., though it varied considerably between the districts: from 9 to 46 inhabitants per sq. km. The rural population density is usually higher in areas with higher soil productive capacity or situated closer to large industrial centres (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda). As a result, the rural areas in districts of the eastern and southeastern parts of Lithuania are less populated. .

Population ageing trends are common to rural as well as urban populations. However, the process is more obvious and dangerous in the rural area. At the beginning of 1998, the rural population aged 15-59 was considerably smaller, compared to the urban one: accordingly, 55% and 64% of population (Figure 1 ). Moreover, the rural population above 60 exceeded the population of up to 15 years of age: 105 old people to 100 children. Population ageing has a negative impact on the sustainability of rural communities.

Before 1990, approximately 5% of the total population changed its place of residence annually. For a long time there was a fairly stable migration of people from the countryside to cities, and from smaller towns to larger industrial centres. This resulted in a decrease of rural, and increase in urban, populations.

However, the situation has changed crucially since 1990. First, the proportion of those who changed their place of residence annually fell to approximately 2.5% of the total population. Secondly, the migration flows rural-urban and urban-urban have no longer dominated internal migration since 1992. Moreover, in the last few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the rural population due to migration. In particular, the number of young rural migrants has decreased: in 1994, almost three and a half times fewer young people moved to urban areas than in the early 1990s. (Figure 2 )

1.1.6        Soil quality

Soil quality differs considerably between the regions. According to location, topography and climate differences, the territory of Lithuania is divided into 15 soil-agronomical areas. According to soil productivity, these 15 areas could be divided into three main regions. The lowlands in the central part of Lithuania (areas 5 and 6 on the Error! Reference source not found. in Annex I) have the most productive soils, followed by the low, deeply washed carbonate soils in the western part Lithuania (areas 1-4 on the Error! Reference source not found. in Annex I). The wooded moraine hills and interspersed sandy plains in east Lithuania have relatively low agricultural productivity.

Particular focus is paid to farmers situated in areas classified as less-favoured areas (LFA). According to regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture, areas with an economic evaluation mark below 32 are classified as LFA[1]. Farmers in those areas are encouraged to restructure their activities, in order to develop alternative businesses and improve their income. On average, at the end of 1997, 10.8% of the total utilised agricultural area was classified as LFA. The highest proportion of LFA is in the southeastern part of Lithuania (counties of Alytus, Vilnius and Utena). (Table 27). Considering EU regulations, a draft of new LFA classification system was developed. According to that classification system LFA will increase approximately up to 20% of the total utilised agricultural area.

1.1.7        Macroeconomic context

Recovery of Growth

Economic recovery started in 1994 and continued with a real GDP growth of 3.3% in 1995, 4.7% in 1996, 7.3% in 1997 and 5.1% in 1998. Indeed, over the period 1995-1998 the Lithuanian economy expanded at an average annual rate of around 5%. However, Lithuanian GDP is forecast to grow by only 1.7% in 1999.

External trade was one the most important factors in economic recovery. Between 1992 and 1998 Lithuanian exports increased four-fold. The rate of growth of imports has however tended to outpace that of exports contributing to a worsening foreign trade deficit. Increasing domestic demand, partially driven by the expansionary effect of the distribution of privatisation revenues to the population, played a considerable part in economy recovery.

The share of industry (including electricity, gas and water) in the national GDP decreased from 35% in 1993 to 25.2% in 1997. Nevertheless this category continues to make the most significant contribution to GDP as measured by 'gross value added' - 25.2% in 1997 and 24.7% in 1998. The share of manufacturing in GDP decreased from 30.1% to 20.8% over the same period. This trend was primarily caused by the shift of production factors into the service sector.

The service sector was subject to rapid growth over the transitional period. In 1998, it accounted for 58.5% of national GDP. The expansion of the service sector has been the main driving force behind the development of the national economy.

Stabilisation of Inflation

The adoption of a Currency Board in 1994 and the implementation of successive IMF programmes created a policy environment conducive to the stabilisation of the economy. During 1997, the average inflation rate was almost halved in comparison to 1996. In 1998, inflation stood at 5.1%. This is illustrative of the fact that Lithuania’s inflation has been approaching the EMU convergence criterion. The inflation rate however remains slightly higher than the average of the Euro area.

Increases in state-regulated utility prices are expected to exacerbate inflation until an appropriate price level ensuring full recovery of operating costs and immediate investment needs is achieved.

Balance of Payments

The current account deficit increased from 10.2% of GDP in 1997 to 12.1% in 1998. This follows a trend of a sharply increasing current account deficit since 1994 when it was at a low of 2.1% of GDP. The increasing level of the current account deficit is due to decreasing savings rates both in the private and public sectors, excessive public borrowing in 1994-1995 and increasing imports of investment goods.

Public Deficit/Debt

In 1998 the budget was close to balance at a preliminary figure of 1.3% of GDP in line with a well-established trend of low budget deficits over the past five years. This trend is set to continue with the Government's Medium-Term Strategy for the Development of the Lithuanian Economy, whose primary objective of national fiscal policy is aimed at maintaining economic equilibrium in order to create favourable conditions for economic growth.

The level of state debt has in recent years been rising since 1996. The increase has in percentage terms been slight (1996: 19.7% of GDP and 1998 22.5% of GDP). In 1998 foreign debt represented 15.8% of GDP.

Table 3. Main Indicators of the Lithuanian Economy

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999

Trade Balance

The foreign trade and current account deficits have been worsening since 1996 with a 1.4% increase in the foreign trade deficit for 1997-98 and a 1.9% increase for the same period for the current account. This can be explained by decreasing savings in the private and public sectors, which is a corollary of large output contraction in Lithuania.

The growth rate of imports has tended to outpace that of exports. This can be explained by structural factors. Even though following trade liberalisation consumers adjusted their preferences in favour of better quality products almost overnight, the supply side required more time to restructure in order to meet changing preferences of domestic consumers as well as to withstand competitive pressures from abroad. Exports are still characterised by high price sensitivity because they have a limited product range dominated by goods with low value added.

In 1998, Lithuania's foreign trade deficit (goods and services) with the EU was 14.0%, 0.3% lower than in 1997, but 3.5% higher than in 1996. In 1994-97, the negative balance of foreign goods and services had increased by 5.5 times.

Employment trends

During the process of transition Lithuania's labour market has undergone significant changes. The labour force experienced a dramatic loss of income and, in turn, purchasing power during the early transition, although a partial recovery of income became apparent in 1994 with economic recovery.

The introduction of economic reforms produced a downward trend in employment. Lithuania's employment data for 1998 compared to 1991 indicate an accumulated job loss of around 14% (233 000). During the same period the number of employed population decreased from 50.1% to 44%.

The incidence of youth unemployment is relatively high by European comparison (26% in 1997). The incidence of long-term unemployed is also high (12.4%). The highest long-term unemployment rates were recorded for people aged over 50, who tend to leave the labour force because of health problems or unavailability of work. The share of women in long-term unemployment accounts for 57.9%.

Labour-force surveys indicate the total unemployment rate of about 14% in 1997. This rate exceeds considerably the EU average estimated to be 10.8%. However, according to register-based unemployment rates, the total unemployment rate was about 6% in 1998.

1.1.8        Agriculture in the national economy

In the period 1993-1997, the major sectors’ share of GDP changed significantly. The services sector demonstrated a fast growth: its share in GDP jumped from 46.5% in 1993 to 58% in 1998. Despite a fall of share in recent years, Lithuanian agriculture and the countryside still remain an important creator of national wealth: the agricultural sector contributes a stable share to GDP of 10.1%. Moreover, Lithuanian agriculture was a main engine for the real GDP growth in 1995-1996. (Table 4 )

Table 4. Agriculture and the national economy, 1993-1998

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999

Nevertheless, due to geopolitical and historical conditions, Lithuanian rural areas and agriculture play an important economic and social role. In 1998, Lithuanian agriculture created 10.1% of total GDP. Additionally, the number of people in the agriculture sector constituted about 21.4% of total employment in 1998. (Table 4 )

However, as the sector's contribution to GDP/share of employment ratio indicates, the efficiency of the Lithuanian agricultural sector is rather low. So far, it has produced a small improvement. To be competitive in market, the Lithuanian agriculture needs substantial improvement in efficiency. And this improvement will reduce the number of people employed in the agricultural sector. On the other hand, constantly declining agricultural employment will raise an important social issue, because loss of income will damage sustainability of rural communities.

1.1.9        Agricultural situation in Lithuania's rural areas

Land cover and utilised agricultural area

Of the 6.5 million hectares of total area, utilised agriculture area at the beginning of 1998 equalled 3.502 million hectares, or 54 per cent of total country area. Arable land was the most important. It accounted for 2.946 million hectares (84.1 per cent of UAA), followed by meadows and natural pastures (496 thousand hectares, or 14,2 per cent of UAA) and permanent crops (60 thousand hectares, or 1.7 per cent of UAA). There were no substantial changes in Lithuania's land cover in recent years. (Figure 3 )

Recent trends indicate that Lithuania is in a situation where farmers are abandoning marginal agricultural land. This development has especially accelerated since the restoration of Lithuanian independence and the cessation of centralised regulation of farming procedures.

The amount of abandoned agricultural land may be around 200,000 – 450,000 hectares. Some 90% of the abandoned land belong to private owners - or will do so, once the land reform has been completed. According to the estimation of the experts on land use, by the beginning of 1999, the abandoned agricultural land amounted to 360,700 hectares.

Figure 3. Land use, at the beginning of 1998

The majority of the abandoned agricultural land is characterised by poor soils, and from an economical point of view they are not suitable for agricultural purposes. The previous economical "sustainability" of these areas was mainly due to the fact that the price of inputs like fuel and fertiliser was below real market price.

            Issues of afforestration of abandoned agricultural land

Afforestation of the abandoned agricultural land is being considered as an opportunity, since it will take place in any case: either by plantation or by natural overgrowing. At present, the legal basis for land use planning for designation of areas suitable for afforestation are:

·        the decision of the Government concerning the approval of the “Procedure for Afforestation on Private Land” adopted on April 9, 1998, No. 425, and

·        the “The Regulation on Development of Forest Land Management Scheme” approved by the Minister of Agriculture and by the Minister of Environment, 7 April, 1999.

The overall legal framework for the planning is the Law of Territorial Planning.

In the present regulations, designation of areas suitable for afforestration is based on several criterias:

·           Unused land – including non-agricultural lands suitable for afforestation (sand and gravel soils, eroded slopes, ravines etc.)

·           Agricultural land with soil fertility lower than 27 (if on drained land, only if it is certified, that the drainage system is damaged and is not to be reconstructed)

·           Land with soil fertility 28-31 provided they are not convenient for mechanised land cultivation

·           Agricultural land between forests and water bodies

However, the present system for land use planning for afforestation requires improvements in order the environmental and sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and other aspects are considered. Thus, to accelerate and promote this process and other issues related to afforestation, the project on “Afforestation of Abandoned Agricultural Land based on Sustainable Land Use Planning and Environmentally Sound Forest Management ” was initiated in May 1999 by the Lithuanian Ministry of Environment, with financial and technical support from the Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project has been focusing on the development of proper land use planning procedures, criteria and methods for afforestation, and promoting decentralisation of the land use planning and mapping processes to county and regional levels. Main project activities include awareness raising among landowners and technical staff, training of technical staff, study tours to neighbouring countries and within Lithuania, development of standardised regulations and procedures for land use planning for afforestation, and establishment of demonstration forest in pilot areas.

The project, together with the key institutions and non-governmental organisations related to afforestation (ecologists, geographers, botanists, agriculturists, biologists, culture heritage specialists, etc), has been preparing guidelines for designation of afforestration areas. These guidelines will include such criteria as agricultural production, erosion protection, protection of groundwater and water bodies, non-agricultural land, cultural heritage, landscape protection, exploited underground mineral resources, recreational areas, etc. It is expected that by the end of the project (the middle of 2001) the final version of the guidelines will be prepared and will be legally adopted.

Provided that a sound planning is carried out, afforestation of such areas will mean:

·      ecologically improved of landscapes because of increased variation in size of plots and type of plots of afforested area

·      improved the diversity of forest types in the landscape.

·      protection in areas subject to erosion.

·      derived immediate and considerable long term employment opportunities and economic development.

·      increased production of forest products, which are considered to present a higher export-potential than agricultural products in view of further evolution of the number of EU-member states and the general agricultural situation in Europe.

·      protection of ground water resources.

Afforestation of the abandoned agricultural land is being considered as an opportunity, since it will take place in any case: either by plantation or by natural overgrowing.

Gross Agricultural Output

Traditionally Lithuanian agriculture plays an important role in the national economy. But, as in other transition countries, Lithuanian gross agricultural output (GAO) declined significantly during the country’s first transition phase, showing its first signs of recovery in 1995. Stabilisation in livestock and dairy production was accompanied by a considerable increase in crop production. This development continued in the following years. In this context, 1996 can be seen as an extraordinarily favourable year for crop production, with good climatic conditions and the impact of supportive Government policies. The growth of GAO in 1996 amounted to 10.3%, and agriculture was a major factor contributing to Lithuania’s overall growth. Livestock production contracted much more significantly than crop production. The share of livestock production in GAO declined from 62% in 1990 to 42% in 1997. After GAO increased three years in a row, growth stopped in 1998, as a result of a decline in crop production. (Table 5 )

Table 5. Gross agricultural output, 1993-1998

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999

Crop area

The total crop area remains stable (about 2.56 million hectares), except slight fluctuations in 1994-1996. Grain crops (winter and spring cereals, and leguminous grain) and fodder crops (fodder root-crops, perennial grasses, maize for silage and green fodder, and other silage crops) are the important ones. Grain and fodder crops take up the largest proportions of the total crop area (45.8% and 44.4% accordingly, in 1998). (Table 28)

Potatoes traditionally take up almost stable share of the total crop area: it varies from 4.7% to 5.3% of the total crop area. In 1998, potatoes covered more than 136,000 hectares.

Flax and sugar beets cultivation concentrates in certain areas known for their old flax or sugar beet growing traditions. After 1995 flax cultivated area dropped steeply from 13,200 hectares to 5,600 hectares in 1996. Over the last years rape growing area increased significantly: from 0.6 % of the total crop area in 1995 to 1.5% in 1998.

Livestock number

After the decline in the first transition stage, number of cattle recovered in 1995-96. The livestock number directly depends on milk and meat production opportunities and new market prospects. Emerging markets for dairy production caused slight increase in a number of milk cows in 1995-96. Similarly, as market for dairy production declined in 1998 the number of cattle and dairy cows diminished. Despite changes in the number of livestock, livestock density (number of livestock per 100 hectares of the utilised agricultural area) remain nearly stable. At the beginning of 1998, livestock density was: 35 of cattle per 100 hectares of utilised agricultural area, 20 dairy cows, 46 pigs, 2.7 equine and 1.5 sheep and goats. (Table 29)

Slightly different from crop production, livestock production is significant for its opportunities in external markets. Long traditions in cattle breeding and favourable climate in Lithuania has created a base to foster a comparative advantage in livestock production.

1.1.10    Farming structure

Currently, 3 different types of farms characterise Lithuania’s farming structure (Table 30):

·        Agricultural companies;

·        Family farms; and

·        Household plots.

Agricultural Companies is large-scale, corporate type enterprises created as a result of the transformation of state and collective farms. In addition to primary agriculture, they are involved in agro-processing and trading activities. By 1998, 1495 agricultural companies remained active, having an average farm size of 337.9 ha. The creation of a so-called Family Farms started before Lithuania gained its independence. Currently, family farm is considered as a farm registered on the Farm Register. By 1999, 67.5 thousand family farms owned 608 thousand hectares of land. The third type of farms is Household Plots with an average size of 2.2 ha. Household plots are often operated by shareholders of agricultural companies or by rural inhabitants, in order to supplement their income from other sources. They still account for a significant share of income generated by rural inhabitants.

Table 6. Farm structure[2], 1998

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, unpublished material, 1998

During the period of 1991-1998 farming structure has changed: the number of family farms has been increasing since 1991, while there has been a decline in the number of agricultural companies and household farms. (Table 30). Another trend prevalent in recent years is the growing role of Lithuanian private farms (including family farms and household plot owners). Private farms have already become key players in Lithuanian agriculture. In 1997, private farms contributed 75,8% to gross agricultural output, while the share of agricultural companies declined to 24.2%.

However, private farms are not inclined to set up specialised farms. Approximately 82% of family farms are engaged in mixed agricultural production. Approximately 12% of farms specialise in crop production, and 4% in livestock.

As a large proportion of agricultural output is produced in private farms that are comparatively small and unspecialised, primary agricultural production has become very fragmented. Consequently, high farm fragmentation has resulted in lower productivity and poorer quality of agricultural produce.

Although farm productivity increased as Lithuanian agricultural output recovered, there is room for improvement. In 1997, average grain yield was 2.5 tonnes per hectare, and annual milk production per cow - 3.2 tonnes. Compared to neighbouring or EU countries of the same latitude, productivity is rather low. (Table 31). Similarly, the quality of agricultural produce is poor. For instance, in 1998, only 14% of total raw milk purchased were of grade A quality[4]. (Table 32)

Like high farm fragmentation, relatively low farm technologies and use of poor quality breeds and seeds do not allow any improvement in the productivity and quality of agricultural produce. At present, farmers often use outdated farm machinery or equipment (most of it came from the former kolchoz system) that requires high energy costs. At the end of 1998, Lithuanian farms owned about 94,000 of tractors, or approximately one tractor per 35 hectares of utilised agricultural area. The average age of a tractor is 8 years. The same is true for harvesters. Lithuanian farms owned about 3,500 of harvesters, or one harvester per 100 hectares of grain crop area. Modern milking and cooling equipment is still not widely used. The fact that only 52% of total raw milk purchased in 1998 were cooled to a required temperature illustrates low use of milking and cooling equipment in the dairy sector.

Table 7. Number of tractors, 1998

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999

According to veterinary experts, animal waste facilities are not common in Lithuanian farms, except the recently modernised, though there is no accurate data on animal waste storage facilities on farm level. To develop sustainable agricultural activities will require installing animal waste storage facilities on farms.

On the one hand, low productivity and poor quality of agricultural produce reduce competitiveness of Lithuanian farmers, as well limit the opportunities to increase their income. On other hand, low income means that farmers can not purchase modern farm equipment, in order to improve farm competitiveness and working conditions in rural areas.

Producer groups

As concentration of demand is increasing in Lithuania, the grouping of fruit and vegetable supply through marketing co-operatives is an economic necessity in order to strengthen the position of our producers. Stimulating the interest in establishing and strengthening national fruit and vegetable producing and marketing co-operatives would therefore be an appropriate measure. Another reason for cooperation is an introduction of new quality standards for fruit and vegetables, which determine the size, quality of the production, marking rules. It requires grading machines, packing equipment and constant quality control. Purchasing such equipment has been included in the Rural Support Fund as support scheme for the co-operatives. Chamber of Agriculture has been administrating the scheme and working on promoting co-operative movement. The aim that is expected from supporting the producer groups is concentration of supplies, quality improvement and stabilization of producer prices.

The legal definition of producer groups, as it is understand in the EU, is under preparation. At present, all agricultural co-operatives (irrespective of the type of their produce) established by producers are considered to be producer groups and can apply for the same financial aids. Adopting Lithuanian legal basis according to EU requirements, rules for the recognition of fruit and vegetable producer organisations and rules concerning operational programmes of producer organisations, operational funds and financial assistance will be introduced by the Order of the Minister of Agriculture. It separates fruit and vegetable producer organisations from other co-operatives and adjusts administrative system into that capable to apply the support scheme under provisions of Title II of the Regulation 2200/96 before EU accession.

Recognition of Producer organization will be granted only to these producer groups which are registered and act according to Law on Stock Corporation, Law on Agricultural Companies or Cooperative Law.

Despite the measures taken to promote the cooperation, establishment of producer groups is still not popular. The reasons are psychological: rural people are not inclined to make common activities and there are no team leaders among them able to head groups of producers. Another reason is legal one: cooperatives were not eligible for tax relieves. However, last year there have been introduced certain tax relieves for co-operatives (i.e. there is no profit tax and some exclusions from payment of VAT).

There are a few fruit and vegetables co-operatives with the number of members from 6 to 30. The most favourable situation for the creation of producer organisations is fruit sector. 6 000 hectares of orchards belong to agricultural companies, stock companies and joint stock companies. Each of them is cultivating 50 to 450 hectares of orchards. The greenhouses are another sector where the co-operation is strongly developed. Greenhouse enterprises that have been modernised are united in the Association of Lithuanian Greenhouses. Members of the association produce up to 90 % of all the vegetables and flowers produced in greenhouses.

1.1.11    Agri-environmental policy and organic production

The first pilot program of transition to the organic agriculture was prepared in 1987-1993. Implementation of the program was started in the northeastern part of Lithuania (in area of 194 thousand ha), in 1993. It was operated by Tatula’s Fund. In 1997 it was reorganised into the public agency “Tatulos programa”. ‘Tatula’ was the first program officially approved and sponsored by the Government with the average annual allocation of 600,000 EUR. 50% of the funds allocated to the program are interest-free credit and subsidies for the elimination of pollutants, as other 50% - for the elimination of pollutants at certain points (e.g., processors). The program involves more than 100 farmers and more than 30 agricultural enterprises and partnerships. The program aims at transforming in the Karst region about 5% of agricultural land in organic agriculture by 2005-2010. Since 1997, the project in the Karst region has been spread throughout Lithuania, and the state support to organic agriculture has been provided.

Support to farmers taking up organic agriculture activities was approved as a priority investment programme by the Rural Support Fund. In 1999, there were 71 farms certified and 100 transitional farms in organic agriculture in the area of 3995 ha. Certification and inspection is carried out by the public institution ‘Ekoagros’. In addition to the organic farms, 5 processing enterprises, which process and market organically grown agricultural products were certified. “Ekoagros” is a member of International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and got its accreditation in 1999.

Table 8. Development of Organic Agriculture.

Source: ‘Ekoagros’, 1999

At present, the local market for organic products has not developed. However, it will have a high potential for export to external markets. For this, common marketing of organic products should be improved. Moreover, farmers should be encouraged to undertake organic agriculture, in order to produce a minimum mass for constant large-scale exports.

Agri-environmental program according to the EU Council Regulation 2057/1999 is under the preparation. A pilot agri-environmental program is not included into the Rural Development Plan of 2000. It is planned to include the scheme into the Plan in the nearest future. A measure to protect local species in danger of extinction will be one of the measures of the scheme. (Please find the summary of the programme in Annex ???).

The draft Code of Good Agricultural Practice is prepared and will be approved in the beginning of summer of 2000. The Code consists of obligatory and recommendatory rules. The main rules and recommendations for good farming given in this publication are seeking that a farmer who follows them would not only improve the environment, but also would achieve a profit that grants sufficiently good living conditions. The CGAP include rules relating to:

1.      Periods when the land application of certain types of fertiliser is prohibited.

2.      Livestock density corresponding to manure application - maximally 170 kg of nitrogen per year per hectare of utilised agricultural area;

3.      The capacity of storage vessels for livestock manure for the storage period 6 month;

4.      Limitation of the land application of fertilisers, consistent with good agricultural practice and taking into account:

·        soil conditions, soil type and slope;

·        climatic conditions and rainfall;

·        land use and agricultural practices, including crop rotation systems and a balance between:

>         the foreseeable nitrogen requirements of the crops, and

>         the nitrogen supply to the crops from the soil and from fertilisation corresponding to:

-         the amount of nitrogen present in the sod at the moment when the crop starts to use it to a significant degree (outstanding amoun­ts at the end of winter),

-         the supply of nitrogen through the net mineralisation of the reserves of organic nitrogen in the sod,

-         additions of nitrogen compounds from livestock manure,

-         additions of nitrogen compounds from mineral fertilisers.

5.      Ratio between perennial and annual crops;

6.      Increase of vegetation cover during periods when soil is most vulnerable to nitrate leaching;

7.      Measures that do not allow agricultural effluents to pollute surface and ground water; 

8.      Land reclamation, biological diversity and landscape.

The discussion on designation of vulnerable zones is in process. The designation will lead to the preparation and implementation of action program for vulnerable zones and farmers training program

1.1.12    Food processing

Similar to the primary agricultural sector, processing of agricultural products – food industry being the main out of it - plays an important economic and social role in the national economy. The food industry contributes a considerable share to the total Lithuanian industrial output: in 1998, it still accounted for 28.1% of the total industrial output, though its share decreased.

Milk and dairy sector, and meat processing are the most important ones. These sectors account more than a half of the total Lithuanian food industry output. Especially milk and dairy sector is of high importance for its export opportunities. ( Figure 4 )

Regarding the social role, the food industry is an important source for employment. More than 28% of the total industrial output is produced by approximately 20% of the total industrial employment. At the beginning of 1998, 434 Lithuanian food processors and beverage producers employed more than 46,000 employees.[5]

Table 9. Lithuanian manufactures of food and beverages: number of enterprises and employees, at the beginning of 1998⁵

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999.

Moreover, manufactures of food and beverages are important for the national economy for their contribution to exports. In 1998, 75.6% of foodstuffs and beverages produced were consumed in domestic market, and 24.4% were exported. However, the food industry produces and exports relatively low value-added products. Usually, raw materials are exported, while products of higher value added are imported. Trade balances indicate low level of Lithuanian agri-food industry.

Most of the raw materials used in processing have local agricultural origin. For that reason, the processing industry is vital for local producers of raw milk, meat, grain and other primary agricultural produce. For highly competitive processing industry guarantees its farm-suppliers a constant source of income, further development of agri-food industry is one of the principle issues related to rural development.

Transition to the market economy has changed the structures of the food industry: processing of agricultural products has become fragmented. Currently, the structure of the food industry is characterised by several large processing units, and a number of small-medium enterprises (with employee numbers up to 50). The large processing units were set up to serve local and former Soviet Union markets. The emergence of small-medium enterprises that mainly work for the local market has reduced the market share of the large processing units. The collapse of the former Soviet Union market and loss of the domestic market resulted in huge over capacities in the large processing units: meat processors use approximately 20% of their capacity, as dairies - approximately 45%. As a result, huge over capacities impair competitiveness of the sectors where economies of scales are important. (Table 33)

In order to compete successfully in domestic and external markets, the agri-food industry needs to improve quality of production by conforming to the standards and hygiene-sanitary requirements set by EU. Poor qualities of production limits export opportunities. Furthermore, improvement of the quality is one of prerequisites in finding a niche market in the Common market. Up to now, the most advanced dairy sector. 16 certified dairy enterprises have received EU veterinary number, as well as one game meat processing enterprise. However, none of the large “traditional” meat processors has been qualified for EU veterinary number.

The industry is hampered by the fact that much of technologies and equipment installed are rather outdated. For example, in the meat-processing sector it is common that slaughtering is still linked with processing. This results in inadequacy of quality and efficiency. Similarly, in the dairy sector outdated technologies used in raw milk collection network do not allow to guarantee a constant quality of produce.

Absence of slaughterhouses complying with EU requirements heavily limits competitiveness of Lithuanian meat processing sector, and overall fulfilment of pre-accession economic criteria. From the social point of view, weak competitiveness of the sector will mean loss of employment and decrease in farm income level.

Restructuring of meat processing sector and introducing modern technologies in slaughterhouses and meat processing enterprises will also require reconstruction of overall animal waste collection and rendering system. At the moment, 2 animal waste rendering companies are operating. However, due to their outdated technologies, the situation threatens to become critical.

To outweigh the agri-food industry disadvantages in quality, efficiency and over capacity, there are competitive advantages to be forged. On one hand, the old traditions in agriculture have created a sustainable raw material base. On the other hand, the traditions have formed the product and technological knowledge resources.

Furthermore, Lithuania still remains a country with relatively low labour costs. Considering food industry is labour intensive, this advantage becomes noteworthy.

Labour costs remain much lower than in western countries, in average they constitute 10%-15% out of western salaries in food industry. Eastern European wages exceed Baltic ones in average on 20% while productivity levels are quite similar. Finally, according to Lithuanian Development Agency agriculture and food industry are the sectors with lowest salary levels among Lithuanian industries.

In conclusion, to increase its competitiveness Lithuanian food industry can benefit from public investment support programs. Thus, it can substantially contribute to rural development by providing sources of income to the farm-suppliers.

1.1.13    Investment volume in agriculture and food industry

During the period of 1995-1998, capital investment volume in both agricultural and food sectors have been steadily increasing. The investment volume in agriculture jumped in 1998: it exceeded 166 million Litas (approximately 40 million EURO). The stimulus for investment activities was due to the started Rural Support Fund operations, increased market potential for agricultural products, and speeding up of land reform. Manufacturers of foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco steadily invest in restructuring of enterprises in order to meet new market requirements. The huge investment volume (in both agriculture and food processing industries) is still required to continue the industry restructuring. Public support to capital investment will speed up the restructuring and fostering of industry competitiveness.

Table 10. Capital investment volume, 1995 - 1998

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999

1.1.14    Dairy sector

Milk production is one of the main branches of agricultural production. In 1999, 1.9 million tonnes of milk have been produced, of which 1,2 million tonnes were processed. Around half of processed milk is consumed in Lithuania (670-700 thousand tonnes).

Currently there are 45 milk-processing companies, 35 of them are small or medium dairy enterprises, established during the last few years and producing milk products for local markets. All dairies are joint stock companies. All dairies have been privatised except one, which is partially owned by state. 10 largest dairies dominate the market and process about 80 % of total delivered milk.

The main dairy products being produced are: cheeses (soft and hard), yoghurts and kefir, butter, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder, casein, pasteurised milk, chocolate-coated soft cheese, desserts and canned condensed milk.

Many enterprises have modernised their premises, equipment, and production technologies in accordance with the hygiene requirements of the EU. Enterprises are implementing the control system of HACCP. A new hygiene norm “Food hygiene” has been introduced meeting the requirements of the EU-directive 93/43. Main milk processing enterprises have currently certificates to export dairy products to the EU market, in accordance with directive 92/46.

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania prepared the strategy of dairy sector development, where the present situation of the sector is assessed and the perspectives to improve the competitiveness of the dairy sector are outlined.

Great support has been provided by two PHARE projects: Agriculture re-structuring part No. 2 and Quality Management in the Dairy Industry in Lithuania.

In the first project, dealing agro-industrial restructuring, improving the international competitiveness of meat, dairy and grain processing enterprises, two large milk processing enterprises J.S.C. Rokiškio sūris and J.S.C. Panevėžio pienas have been advised on structural reorganisation, marketing and improvement of the quality of products.

In the second project - Quality Management in the Dairy Industry - ten  dairies have been selected to assist them to implement the HACCP and ISO standards.

Lithuanian quality standards of dairy products related to the EU market and methods of quality analysis are either already prepared (in 9 dairies) or being prepared (in 5 dairies) in accordance with the White Book.

Due to different factors (change in nutrition pattern, decreased purchasing power) the domestic per capita consumption of milk dropped during last decade. However, this trend is now being reversed as income growth resumes and as new products such as cottage cheese and spreads and various forms of yoghurts and other value added dairy products become more widely available and replace imports. In spite of relatively low domestic market protection, the import of dairy products makes a very insignificant part of total assortment. It concerns in particular products not produced in Lithuania: specific types of cheeses, yoghurts and milk drinks.

In recent years export of dairy products (mainly cheese, butter and skimmed milk powder) made more than one third of total food product export.

Ministry of Agriculture prepared a stimulation programme for agriculture and food products export. Export limits (quotas, licences, duties) are not being currently applied. In future, possibilities of applying export subsidies will depend on Lithuania’s agreements with the World Trade Organisation.

Traditional export market for Lithuanian dairy products is CIS. Due to decrease of purchasing power of CIS inhabitants during Russian crisis, overall export quantities of dairy products have significantly dropped. For example, butter export decreased by 48 % in 1999 compared to 1998, export of skimmed milk powder decreased by 30 % during the same period. Though 17 dairies are currently approved for exports to the EU, the growth in exports of dairy products is hampered by the quantities of tariff quotas.

Strengths of the Lithuanian dairy sector:

·        Many enterprises have modernised their premises, equipment, and production technologies in accordance with the hygiene requirements of the EU;

·        Enterprises are implementing the control system of HACCP;

·        The leading dairies implement new technologies and expanded their assortment;

·        The leading dairies are consolidating their positions in the market, trade contacts in the EU and with other Western countries and thus are compensating traditional markets lost in the East;

·        A tendency of concentration and specialisation of enterprises leads to improved quality aspects and as a consequence to a higher degree of competitiveness.

Weaknesses of the Lithuanian dairy sector:

·        Low quality of raw milk due to large number of small private farmers;

·        Low efficiency of control  over milk storage and collection points;

·        High costs of dairy products due to relatively high collection costs and inefficient use of processing capacities;

·        Lack of international marketing experience;

·        Low value products are prevailing in exports.

Opportunities of the Lithuanian dairy sector:

·        Annual growth of GDP, around 5% during the last years, gives a higher purchasing power;

·        Association Agreement with the EU eliminated the high tariff barriers, which severely limited Lithuanian export into the EU;

·        Abolition of tariff barriers between Baltic States since January 1997, which increased competitiveness of the dairy industry;

·        Lithuania is getting closer to joining the WTO. This should improve the investment climate in the country as potential investors will have added insurance that the investment climate will not become more restrictive in future. In addition, a membership of WTO will bring the country closer to a future accession to the European Union. The opportunity of the WTO-membership will certainly be of the benefit for exporters, at least in the long run.

Threats of the Lithuanian dairy sector:

·        Some dairy plants might fail to meet international quality standards;

·        Despite the fact that Lithuania’s dairy plants have been in a market oriented business environment over the last 6-8 years, it has not learnt to become effective marketers, to understand how the market works and how to take corrective actions to ensure the company’s competitiveness.

To summarise, the milk processing industry has to strengthen the capacity to cope with increased competitive pressure and market forces in domestic and world markets.

It is important to increase efficiency of the industry by further modernisation of plants and equipment, adopting new production technologies, improving marketing chain and reducing seasonal fluctuations of production. The further concentration process has to be encouraged, allowing effective bankruptcy of inefficient enterprises.

According to Lithuanian HN 15, dairies have to introduce the HACCP system in order to increase product quality and competitiveness. It requires considerable investments and know-how, where external means and expertise would be very requested.

Support should be given to dairies in order to restructure the product basket, switching from balance products to more value-added products. The alternatives of producing whey and baby-food, which require modern technologies should be weighed. The possible markets for national specialities should be evaluated.

The growing demand for ecological dairy products reveals new possibilities for dairies. Support should be given to acquire new production technologies and equipment for ecological production.

1.1.15     Meat sector

Meat industry is a priority branch of agricultural production in Lithuania. It encompasses more than one fifth of the total agricultural production.

On average, 1 million cattle and around 1.2 million pigs are raised in Lithuania. According to the information of the State Veterinary Service (SVS), more than 336 thousand cattle and 700 – 800 thousand pigs are slaughtered in all the slaughterhouses of Lithuania each year. Rural inhabitants in addition slaughter around 200 thousand pigs, for their own consumption.

By the 1^st of January 2000, the SVS had on its register 203 slaughterhouses, 156 meat processors having also slaughtering facilities, as well as 181 meat processors without slaughtering. Only 6 of them have reached 500 animals a week in 1999. Others are small or medium businesses. All the meat processing enterprises produce 53 % of cattle meat, 33 % of pig meat and 14% of fowl.

As SVS states, production capacities of all the enterprises in Lithuania comprise 34 691 of cattle heads and 34 765 pigs a week. On average, these capacities were inefficiently utilised. Since the domestic market is overloaded with meat products and export volumes to foreign markets have dropped, competition among companies will continue to increase, so it is likely that a number of inefficient meat processing enterprises will go bankrupt in the nearest future.

The largest meat processing enterprise is “Klaipedos maistas”, which has a processing capacity of 1000 cattle and 2000 pigs (1 056 tonnes) per week. At the same time, its capacity utilisation is 50%. This company, with an objective to enter the Russian market, has established in Kaliningrad oblast of Russia the joint enterprise “Kaliningradas delikatesas”, which meets the EU quality requirements. One of the advantages of this enterprise is that most of the raw materials are produced in Lithuania, and the finished goods are sold without customs duties to Russia.

By the State’s Veterinary Service opinion, currently there are 8 enterprises relatively close to meeting the EU standards. The most advanced are UAB. “Mažeikių mėsinė”, UAB “Vilkė”, AB “Skinija”. Most of them have been established during 1994-1995. These enterprises utilise almost their full capacity. Most of the meat processing enterprises is private. The State has shares only in “Panevėžio maistas” (38 %) and “Tauragės maistas” (16 %).

The HACCP system is to be introduced in meat-processing enterprises until the middle of 2000. Two meat enterprises “Vilkė” and “Krekenavos agrofirma” have ISO 9002 certificate.

According to the recommendation of the PHARE project “Reorganisation of Meat-processing Industry” it is necessary to establish slaughterhouses, which would confirm to the EU requirements.

The Ministry of Agriculture has prepared the program of quality improvement of meat and its product (framework to 2005). The Order of the Minister of Agriculture as of 1999 enforced “The obligatory requirements for carcasses of pigs and bovine animals”. These obligatory requirements were prepared according to the Council Regulations 1208/81 and 1186/90 on carcass classification. At present those requirements are being partly implemented.

Traditional export market for meat products was the CIS. In 1990 the export volumes of meat and its products to Russia exceeded 2 thousand tonnes per week. Due to such an export volume demand, all meat industry was orientated toward large capacity enterprises. Up to now the old enterprises are of big capacity, which are only partly used. Great energy costs, inefficient equipment and old technology in meat enterprises make its products expensive. Investment in the meat industry is insufficient. A low level of profit margin in the meat enterprises caused low investment within 2 last years.

Due to the Russian crisis export volumes of meat and its products to the CIS decreased more than 50 per cent in 1998. In 1997 the export of meat was 18,9 thousand tonnes. In 1998 meat export dropped to 4,06 thousand tonnes. The production volumes of some meat enterprises fell down more than 50 per cent. However, the enterprises still export meat products to the Baltic States and CIS, but there is almost no export to the Western Europe (only 394 tonnes of whole meat export were exported to EU in 1998).

Import of meat was 11,7 thousand tonnes in 1998 and 10,9 thousand tonnes – in 1999. The main part of meat import was poultry. It encompasses 9,8 thousand tonnes in 1998 and 7,5 thousand tonnes in 1999.

Strengths of the Lithuanian meat sector:

·        The obligatory requirements for carcasses of pigs and bovine animals are implemented;

·        Most of the big meat-processing enterprises are modernising their premises, equipment and technologies in accordance with the hygiene-sanitation requirements of the EU;

·        Enterprises are implementing HACCP system;

·        Meat-processing enterprises are stimulated to improve quality of their products and to make them less expensive due to a strong competition in an internal end external markets.

Weaknesses of the Lithuanian meat sector:

·        Inefficient use of capacities in meat-processing enterprises;

·        Most of meat-processing enterprises have inside slaughterhouses, which contradicts to the EU requirements;

·        Great energy costs, inefficient equipment and old technology in meat enterprises;

·        Many meat enterprises are indebted to farmers;

·        Lack of investment;

·        Lack of good quality bovine animals for meat processing;

·        Weak marketing and management structure;

·        Lack of international marketing experience.

1.1.16     Fishery sector

Fisheries sector of Lithuania covers fishing, management, protection and restocking of fish resources, fish breeding, aquaculture, transportation of fish, storage, fish processing and supply for consumers. Sector creates 0,06 per cent of Lithuania's GDP and employs about 6 thousand persons (0,3 per cent of total country employees).

Fish processing sector is a very important part of fisheries. It creates and guarantees working places for people living in the regions dependent on fisheries and it also supplies healthy, protein rich products to the consumer (see table 37 in Annex I).

Officially more than 100 companies are engaged in fish processing. Small enterprises dominate in this industry that includes 17 medium size enterprises and 12 large companies. About 3,000 people are involved in the fish-processing sector. Seven Lithuanian fish processing companies are approved and certified according to the EU standards. These companies introduced quality assurance and food safety programmes, they can supply not only local, but also the EU market. Lately the fish processing industry produces and supplies the consumer with bigger amount of fish and fish products. The production of fish fingers, crab sticks, crayfish tails and other delicatessen sea products have been started. Consumption of fish and fish products is increasing in the current years. In 1998 consumption was 12,5 kg per person (1,1 kg more comparing with 1997) (see table 38 in Annex I).

            Raw material

Not the entire Lithuanian quota for Baltic Sea herring and sprat are being processed into consumer products, whereas the entire quota for Baltic Sea cod is utilised, either for processing in Lithuania or landed abroad.

The major reasons for not utilising the quota on herring and sprat for consumer products are:

·        for sprat, the present loss of sales to the Russian market and better prices when selling to fish meal producers in Scandinavia;

·        for herring, a lack of product development on this fish specie which is more difficult to process than the more fat and bigger Atlantic herring.

The loss of the former high sea fleet of ocean going trawlers forces the industry to import all of the needs for Atlantic herring, mackerel, sardinella, hake a.o. species from local traders or from traders abroad (Norway, Denmark, Holland, etc.). All of this import is in the form of block-frozen fish – whole round, headed and gutted or as fillets

Development of the fish processing sector

Frozen fish fillets. The buildings in this part of the fish processing industry are generally in a good condition and well maintained. All the plants in this category are established after the independence and even within the last years. The equipment is generally good, mostly new but also second hand equipment is used and often in stainless steel. The level of sanitation and hygiene is very good as well and in accordance with the EU demands.

Only few products develop in this category. The product programme consists of single frozen, vacuum packed or block frozen fillets of white fish species. Most of the products are produced from imported frozen fish, which are partly defrosted, glazed and re-frozen.

Some new species like pike perch and flounders are being tested but supply of raw material is still only sporadic and training in filleting of flat fish is needed as investment in filleting machines may be an economic problem.

The Russian crisis has had some negative effect on this part of the industry but as some of the companies have already been approved by the EU and have established sales to new markets in western Europe the effect is not as severe as for other parts of the industry. The biggest problem and the limiting factor to full utilisation of the installed capacity is the lack of raw material.

This part of the industry is performing good marketing and with positive results. Contacts are established with customers in new (western) markets and orders are executed at competitive prices that include a profit for the selling companies.

Canned fish. There are four fish canaries in Lithuania. Two of the companies are planning to move out in the year 2000 from the present facilities. Such a move is in each case most needed as the present building facilities are in an extremely bad condition and beyond any economically justifiable upgrading – in one of the cases the facilities are also too modest in size to allow for any future extension of production.

The two other canneries are in buildings that need upgrading. Most of the equipment used is 12 – 15 years old and some is even older. The equipment is of Russian or Ukrainian origin and is lacking even daily maintenance. Some of the equipment is second hand. An exception from this is 3 new smoking kilns of German origin being installed in one of the canneries. Sanitation and hygiene in the fish canneries are very poor and do not in any of the companies meet the demands of the EU-directives.

Practically no product development has taken place yet. However, one of the newly established fish canning companies has, as the company strategy, decided to produce products that are not made by other companies. Such new products are cod in oil or tomato, flounder in oil or tomato, cod roe or liver and pike perch in oil. Another of the companies has contact to wholesalers in the Czech Republic and is in the process of testing recipes on new products for this market.

Two of the companies now utilise the installed capacity close to 100% in a first shift, whereas the two other companies only operate at about 30% of the capacity installed. This is mainly due to differences in product programmes and to an ongoing and dragging privatisation process for the oldest and the biggest of the companies.

This is probably the part of the industry that has been hurt most by the Russian crisis in 1998 and also the part that has most problems in establishing new markets.

The industry was totally unprepared for this and the two old companies had to reduce production for 6 –7 months. One of the companies even has not been able to start again but went into reconstruction and is renting out its facilities to other companies (but within the group).

The other companys which has survived so far struggles to keep going but orders are at best executed at break-even prices and mostly with a loss.

One bright point in an otherwise dismal situation is that there is a recent tendency that the buying power of the Russian market is being restored. A new (since last year) fish cannery is increasing its sales to Russia and at prices well above production cost.

Chilled/Semi-preserved/Smoked fish products. This part of the fish processing industry includes the highest number of companies.

A few of the companies carry out a proper sanitation of the processing premises and the facilities for personal hygiene are very good, but the differences from company to company are huge.

This is probably the sector of the industry that exhibits the most innovation in product diversity. The supermarkets offer on their shelves an assortment of fish products that exceeds what may be seen in any western supermarket or retail outlet. Most of the production within this category is sold on the home market and there are too many companies – about 80 registered companies of which maybe 30-40 are active. This has lead to a sales strategy where low price dominates over quality and food safety. The unfortunate consequence is that the companies that invest and carries costs in food safety precautions loose out to the companies, which  produce under low cost and high-risk conditions.

Most of the fish processing companies understand the need for improving of quality assurance and of food safety – but they need practical assistance in development and implementation of adequate systems tailored to their situation and requirements.

Strengths of Lithuanian catches and fish processing industry:

·        Good body of technical skills and tradition

·        Access to resources and quota in Baltic, NAFO and Norwegian waters

·        Competent authority approved for third country supplies to EU

·        Skilled fish processing workforce with low labour costs

·        Access to Baltic Sea resources of fish as raw material

Weaknesses of Lithuanian catches and fish processing industry:

·        Ageing fleet with high costs, unable to compete with more efficient EU suppliers

·        Poor landing and market infrastructure; fragmented landings

·        Lack of developed local market for fresh fish

·        High dependency on quota species for significant part of landings.

·        Highly fragmented sector with many small firms

·        Poor hygiene conditions in many establishments with only 7 firms approved to EU standards

·        Canning sector approaching obsolescence with loss of Russian market

·        No marketing experience

Opportunities of Lithuanian catches and fish processing industry:

·        Under-utilised quota for sprat and herring

·        Potential for development of non-quota species (flatfish)

·        Improved sales and incomes via better marketing of fresh fish

·        Access to EU markets for value added products

·        Supermarket outlets in other applicant countries

·        Production of inexpensive, high nutritional new fish products

Threats of Lithuanian catches and fish processing industry:

·        Loss of quota due to non-utilisation

·        Loss of fishing skills

·        Lower cost good quality imports will dominate local market

·        Weak veterinary inspection system undermines investment in upgrading

·        Loss quality image if improvements in hygiene and sanitation fail to come off

Development of market infrastructure strategy

On the one hand the fishing fleet does not utilise the full quota for all species of fish available from the Baltic Sea and allocated by the IBSFC. On the other hand systems for internal marketing of fresh fish are weak or non-existent. There is no corps of fish traders, no wholesaling of fish, and no specialised fish retailers (mobile or otherwise). Only processed and preserved fish are available to the average consumer. The fleet sector lacks landing and infrastructure for concentrating the first sale of fish, which presently takes place at several locations within Klaipeda port area, and at least 15 small coastal landing sites. By providing infrastructure such as landing quays, covered market areas, ice plants and road access, traders and processors will be able to access supplies more readily and the internal market will develop. The proper fish landing infrstructure will encourage the fishermen to land their catches in Lithuania as these initiatives will contribute to ensure a fair and competitive price for the fish. At present too much of the fish caught by Lithuanian fishermen are landed outside of Lithuania, as prices there are higher.

Klaipeda region is considered to be an important fisheries dependent area within Lithuania, with 2% of employment in fishing, 3% in fish processing, and a further 2% in other up and downstream activities.

The port of Klaipeda is the main focus of fishing and landing and its modernisation is a priority.  There are other ports whose condition has deteriorated and which have very limited draught.  Renovation of these ports is a secondary consideration. Recent policy of the Klaipėda Port is targeted to the cargo services, which has limited the possibilities for the fishermen. It has resulted the situation that there is no specific place for the fishing vessels in Klaipėda port. The landing territory includes several places not suitable to land fresh fish, as the conditions do not comply with technical and sanitary-hygienic requirements.

 The feasibility study “Perspectives of the Port for the Baltic Small Fishing Vessels”, which was initiated by the fishermen association ”Klaipėdos žvejas” has been completed in 1999. Conclusions were made that the most problematic issues of the transportation and storage of fish are directly related to the lack of the fishing port. The feasibility study identified the following functions of the fishing port:

·        Services for vessels,

·        Production of ice,

·        Storage of fish,

·        Fish auction,

·        Management and self-governing of the port.

In 1999 the designing of the fishing port started. Construction of the port requires 10 mln Litas from the State Budget. According to Klaipėda Port Direction the quays could be constructed in the year 2000.

Employment dependency on fishing in the smaller coastal communities is up to 16%. It is also policy to develop landing infrastructure for the coastal fishery (local ports in the areas like Nida, Juodkrantė and Rusnė). SAPARD funding will be used by local authorities and/or fish producers organisations or cooperatives at these locations to develop this infrastructure.

Strategy of the fish processing  sector

There is evidence of over capacity in the fish processing sector. This is related to decline in Russian market for canned products and an excessive number of very small enterprises with sporadic production and low standards of quality and hygiene. It is considered inevitable that structural adjustment of the fishery sector will result in the closure of many of these enterprises, and no support should be provided for upgrading of fish processing enterprises unless they can demonstrate that they:

·       are viable enterprises

·       have  sales which are not exclusively dependent on the sale of canned fish to the "eastern" markets

Furthermore, present policy promotes better utilisation of national fish quotas. This should not however be done at any cost. EU states in the Baltic region make better use of quota because small pelagic fish are used for fishmeal production. The additional fishmeal processing capacity is not required in Lithuania, and this type of activity should be excluded from receiving support. Only projects processing fish for human consumption should be supported.

Modernisation of fishing vessels

Conceivably there is a need for quality related improvements to fishing vessels eg. Insulated fish holds, ice machines, chilling and freezing equipment on board.

Proposed actions

The main objectives of the development strategy of the fish processing and marketing is to create port and market infrastructure, to improve a fish processing sector which meets all national and international requirements for health conditions, and which uses all available sources of raw material to provide safe products to meet the demand of national, EU and export markets.

Actions to be supported by SAPARD:

to develop the marketing chain to ensure the delivery of regular supplies of good quality fresh fish to consumers;

to implement/improve hygiene and sanitation programmes in the fish processing enterprises and in the fishing vessels, which handle, process and supply fish processing industry with raw material;

to establish ‘in- house” – training programmes for all employees in GMP and personal hygiene;

to implement environmental management systems;

to develop on – going market products and marketing.

With regard to fish processing sector and marketing, these measures will aim to create fish landing and market infrastucture, to achieve restructuring, consolidation and modernisation of the fisheries processing industry, and increase its competitiveness.

1.1.17 Other sectors

Grain and fodder crops

The total crop area remains stable (about 2.56 million hectares), except slight fluctuations in 1994-1996. Grain crops (winter and spring cereals, and leguminous grain) and fodder crops (fodder root - crops, perennial grasses, maize for silage and green fodder, and other silage crops) are the important ones. Grain and fodder crops take up the largest proportions of the total crop area (45.8% and 44.4% accordingly, in 1998). 50 % total domestic use of grain products comprises fodder produce, about 19 % are used for human consumption and 12.6 % is used for sowing. Domestic demand for grain and fodder crops is satisfied by about 105%.

The total yield of protein crops amounted to 104,100 tonnes in 1998, whereas total area made up 66,100 hectares, gradually achieving its previous level. Protein crops made up 2.6 % of the total crop area in 1998.

Currently there are 47 grain-processing companies and 10 of them are the big ones. In 1998, the processing capacity of the biggest 10 grain processing enterprises was 409,000 tones, whereas total production was 191.9 thousand tones. Capacity utilisation of these big enterprises was 46.9 %. The processing industry is almost completely privatised and privatisation level is 96.3 %. There is a special purpose enterprise involved in the state grain reserve and storage, which is for 70% owned by the State.

The PHARE project “Agro-industrial restructuring” had been completed in grain processing industry. Two grain - processing enterprises were the beneficiaries. During the project training was given on marketing and quality issues, study tours were organised and that contributed to establishment of contacts with EU counterparts.

One of the import regulation instruments is import duty, which were established by Government Resolution on the Procedure of Export and Import Regulation in the Republic of Lithuania, adopted on March 1997. Ad valorem autonomous, conventional and preferential import duties are applied as well.

Automatic import licences are issued for cereals (CN codes 1001.90 –1004.00.00), buckwheat, products of the milling industry. The Ministry of Agriculture issues automatic import licences. That was introduced by Government Resolution, on October 1998. For importing cereals and derived products, it is necessary to get permission from the State Plant Protection Service. However, import levels in this sector are very insignificant.

During the 1998 was exported 151,0 t. tones of wheat, 13,4 t. tones of rye, 2,75 t. tones of barley and during the same time import made11,6 t. tones of wheat,  1,13 t. tones of rye and 0,7 t. tones of barley. Export quantities of grain have increased by 87 % in 1999 compared to 1998. Main export markets for the before mentioned products were Belarus, Russia, Latvia, Poland, and Denmark. The majority of imports came from Estonia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Latvia and Ukraine. Export duties and other restrictions are not applicable.

New standard methods for determining the quality of grain are prepared in compliance with the ICC and ISO standards. The quality criteria correspond to those of the EU.

In order to make grain quality estimation more precise and operational, financial resources have been allocated from the Rural Support Fund to buy INFRATEC equipment, 39 units in total, for determination the quality of cereals, flour, compound feeds and their supplements. All analysers are combined in a network administrated by the MoA.

From the 1 of July 2000 all grain-processing enterprises are required to introduce the HACCP (system of risk factories analysis and basic control points).

The main tasks for restructuring and modernisation in grain sector are:

·        To encourage modernisation of storage capacities in the favourable zones for wheat cultivation;

·        To promote restructuring and specialisation of farms by the economic measures;

·        To diversify activities of processing enterprises;

·        To reorganise grain-processing enterprise premises equipment, and production technologies in accordance with the hygiene requirements of the EU.

Support should be given to encourage the consolidation of the grain industry, laboratory equipment and production quality control. Support to flour milling has to be focused on investments in modern laboratory equipment aimed at testing the quality of raw materials. Also, closer co-operation between processors and retailers will be encouraged.

Cultivation and processing of oil crops

Rapes are the most suitable oil crop for cultivation in Lithuania. Its oil-cake is albumen fodder. Compared to 1998, area covered by rapes crop doubled in 1999, and amounted to 84 thousand hectares. Low technological and technical rapes cultivation level predominates, that predetermines high input and not high enough crop capacity. There is a need for rapes sewing, crop supervision and harvesting machinery.

The weakest chain in this branch is a first stage of treatment. The aim of this treatment is to prepare high quality rapes for further processing and sale. Just a few farmers have equipment for rapes sorting and drying.

Rape seed cultivation and processing is rather new sector of Lithuanian agriculture. This branch has been developed in accordance with programme of  “Rape cultivation development and oil supply to the market 1995 – 2000”, in which there has been foreseen to expand rape cultivation and processing in order to supply the consumers with domestic oil and fodder industry – with rich protein fodder.

There are two food oil-processing companies: AB “Obeliu Aliejus” and AB“Aliejus”. Their total production capacity is 30 thousand tonnes of food oil per year. Domestic demand for food oil is 45 thousand tonnes per year.

AB “Obeliu Aliejus” is the only enterprise in the country which has a complete technological line from drying of the rape seed to the finished product – oil. Its main products are refined, whitened, deodorised, packed up food oil and rapeseed-cake fodder.

AB “Aliejus” has oil refinery and deodorisation equipment. Their projected capacity is 20 thousand tonnes of food oil per year. Its main products are refined, whitened, deodorised, packed up food oil and mayonnaise. There are three lines of packing mayonnaise into glass packages and four lines – into plastic packages. Production equipment is constantly being renewed with enterprise’s own funds.

Oil competitiveness is determined by international level technologies, ensuring high production parameters. However, in order to develop oil industry of the highest level, it is necessary to strengthen a first-stage rape-seed processing and to modernise its pressing.

Aid in this sector will be provided to:

·        Support of rapes growers in purchase of the necessary machinery in order to cultivate these crops;

·        Support purchase of equipment for rapes sorting and drying and development of such services;

·        Support expansion of the existing pressing factories or building of new, more efficient ones.

Fibre flax sector

The situation in the sector is such that Lithuanian farmers can hardly satisfy up to 40 % of local textile industry demand for fibre flax raw material. The main problems are insufficient yields and quality. Obstacles for achieving good yields (and especially – quality) are lack of investments for renewal of fibre flax production technologies, fibre flax and seed treatment  as well as lack of investments for purchasing special equipment.

9 fibre flax primary treatment enterprises carry out their activities now in Lithuania. Yearly processing capacity of these enterprises is 50 thousand tonnes. Unfortunately, they are profitless. Financial situation in these enterprises depends strongly on technical state of fibre flax treatment equipment. Modernisation of production is necessary as equipment is worn over 50 %.

Therefore, getting financial aid for investments from SAPARD programme is very actual question for fibre flax growers and primary treatment enterprises.

Fruit and vegetable sector

The average fruit production is 134 thousand tonnes per year.

Villagers and town dwellers in their small holdings grow up to 90 % of fruit and berries. Their orchards are old and the yield from such orchards goes mainly for processing into concentrated juice. Apples cover up to 80 % of fruit production.

Main suppliers of dessert fruit and berries are agricultural companies and specialised horticultural farmer farms. Specialised agricultural companies have storage capacity able to contain 22 thousand tonnes of fruit and vegetables. Storage equipment needs to be renovated. Some companies have already started this process of renovation. They have purchased storage equipment with gaseous environment. Technical modernisation of storage equipment, introduction of packaging and sorting stations, laying out of modern orchards and berry plantations meet with lack of investments. Proper use of SAPARD aid could assist in solving these problems.

The main part (95 %) of vegetables is produced by farmers and town dwellers in their small holdings. Average vegetable production is 387,2 thousand tonnes per year. Carrots, white cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and red beet are the most important grown vegetables in Lithuania, but the produce is not supplied to consumers smoothly over the year. Lithuania grows too few glasshouse production and greens. Vegetable growers have not enough storage capacity. They lack money for introduction of modern vegetable growing technologies, storage building, vegetable packaging and sorting equipment, glasshouse modernisation. Co-financing of this investment by SAPARD programme would encourage solving problems in vegetable sector.

Each year there are processed about 5 – 7 % of produced fruit and vegetables in Lithuania. Equipment of the canning industry is obsolete and technologies are inefficient. Only concentrated juice production industry has modern equipment and technologies. Capacities allow to process up to 80 thousand tonnes of fruit and berries. In a bumper – crop year, these capacities are fully utilized and the above stated amount of fruit and berries are processed into concentrated juice, which is almost totally exported.

Currently small processing enterprises are establishing. They either process or freeze small quantities of vegetables, fruit, berries or mushrooms.

Below there are presented tables regarding production of processed fruit and vegetable products by category as well as fruit and vegetable processing enterprises by number of employees in 1997.

Table 11 Production of processed fruit and vegetable products by category

Source. The Mnistry of Agriculture, 1999.

As it can be observed, during the last fifteen years, production volumes have dropped significantly. Similarly as it is the case in other processing sectors reasons for such dramatic changes are lost Russian markets. Probably best positions retained are in fruits and vegetables juice and tomato ketchup and other sauces categories.

Table 12 Fruit and vegetable processing enterprises by number of employees in 1997

Source: The Ministry of Agriculture, 1999.

From the table above (Table 12 ), it can be concluded that the major part of sales (almost 90%) is made by 12 medium to large size enterprises. Also, since almost all of the processed production is consumed domestically, share of exports is about 12%.

Lithuania’s main exports as of 1998 were apple juice, tomato paste, homogenised not frozen potatoe products, tomato ketchup and preserved cucumbers. Exports went mainly to Germany, Poland, Russia, Latvia, Italy. Export volume was almost 9 million EURO. At the same time, main imports were homogenised not frozen potato products, tomato ketchup, tomato paste and fruit juice mixes. These imports came mainly from Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Germany and Greece.

Main factors, which hinder development of the sector, are lack of modern equipment, low efficiency and high production costs.

1.1.18    Other rural economic activities

Rural tourism activities in Lithuania were introduced in 1996-1997. The Rural Tourism Association (a member of the Chamber of Agriculture) was established in 1997. The Association promotes rural tourism services, and provides technical assistance for rural dwellers willing to undertake rural tourism activities. A basic regulation of the sector - the Law on Tourism - was issued in September, 1998.

At the beginning of 1999, there were 194 farmsteads involved in rural tourism business in different regions of Lithuania. The majority of the farmsteads are located in Southeastern and Western parts of Lithuania. These are the most favourable geographical regions, and are known for their rich natural and cultural resources.

During the second half of 1998, approximately 15,000 guests visited the farmsteads. Most visitors were residents of Lithuania (accounting for more than 95% of visitors). Another group of visitors came mainly from the former Soviet Union countries. However, rural tourism is not developed enough, and a wider range of services needs to be introduced to attract more visitors.

Like rural tourism, other rural businesses are not well developed. Rural small-medium enterprises are mainly involved in the processing of agricultural products, retail business, wood processing and repair shops. By the end of 1997, there were about 200 meat processing enterprises, 50 grain mills, 150 sawmills and other small-medium enterprises in the rural areas. Compared to urban entrepreneurs, rural ones are less active to take new businesses. However, further development of non-agricultural rural businesses will provide opportunities for new employment and additional income. It also will secure rural society and minimise dependence on the agricultural sector.

1.1.19    Markets for agricultural production

Traditionally, the Lithuanian food industry is a net exporter with local producers able to satisfy domestic consumption. In 1998, Lithuania's milk production was 208% of domestic consumption, egg production was 108%, and meat and grain production about 100%. (Table 34)

The main export markets for agricultural products are the former Soviet Union, the E.U. and the Baltic countries. Despite the Russian financial crisis, 46.4% of exports of Lithuanian agricultural products went to the former Soviet Union countries in 1998, and 23.5% to the E.U. countries.

Table 13. Export of Lithuanian agricultural produce, 1995-1998

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1999

Dairy, meat, fish and confectionery products account for the largest proportion of total agricultural export. In 1998, more than 28,000 tonnes of dairy products (22% of total dairy export), about 22,000 tonnes of sugar confectionery (61% of total confectionery export), and more than 2,300 tonnes of meat and fish preparations (33% of total meat and fish preparations export) were exported to the E.U. countries. (Table 35). Taking into account these trends, Lithuanian food industry will be able to find some niche in the Common Market. However, to compete successfully in domestic and external markets, the Lithuanian food industry requires restructuring and large investments in capital and human resources to comply with quality, hygiene and food safety requirements.

Implications of Russian financial crisis on Lithuanian food processing industry

Russian financial crisis has effected Lithuanian enterprises which operations were closely related to Russian market and economy. While Russia and other CIS countries have been major export markets for the produce of the most of Lithuanian food processing enterprises, the agri-food industry was hit by the crisis. The Russian crisis resulted in losses of Lithuanian food processing enterprises due to devaluation of Russian currency, unstable exchange rate of US dollar and Russian ruble, currency convertability problems in commercial banks. Furthermore, delayed settlements with Russian trade partners lead to shortage of working capital and financial difficulties of the enterprises.

In 1999, due to the Russian financial crisis, prices of main agricultural products have decreased approximately by 15 – 20 % compared to 1997 price level. Lithuanian food processing enterprises have lost their competitive positions The decline in total export volume of foodstuffs and agricultural products was remarkable: in 1999, the export volume of agricultural produce decreased by 28% (by 697 million Litas, or 174.3 million EURO) compared to 1997.

Russian financial crisis severely damaged trade relation with Russia and other CIS countries. In 1997, 59% of agricultural produce export went to CIS countries (including Russia), while in 1999 the share declined to 37%. In 1999 export volume to CIS countries has declined by 55% (802 million Litas, or 200.1 million EURO), compared to 1997. Taken Russia alone, the decline was even higher – 58% (521 million Litas, or 130.3 million EURO). It is worth mentioning that the leading food processing enterprises have re-orientated their trade relations from Russia and other CIS countries to the European markets. By preliminary figures, in 1999, the export value to the Western European market exceeded the export value to CIS Countries: the share of export to the Western European and CIS countries was 28% and 27%, respectively.

Nevertheless, Russian financial crisis and its results have revealed weak competitiveness of Lithuanian food processing industry. This implies that in order to strengthen competitiveness and flexibility, food processing industry needs restructuring. Still, the major aim is to improve effectiveness of enterprises and quality of produce.

1.1.20    Land reform

The process of land reform and restoration of ownership rights to land started in 1991. In principal it gained higher speed in recent years after Seimas and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania passed relevant legal acts necessary for the implementation of those tasks and allotted funds for that purpose. New institutions such as Department of Land Management and Law for implementation of the land reform were established and functions of other institutions performing these tasks were specified.

At present the land management projects for the land reform for cadastral areas are being prepared and approved, forestry and land parcels are restituted in kind. After the land management projects for the land reform are approved, the ownership rights to illegally expropriated land are restored by transferring or granting gratis the land and forestry parcels and giving actual possibilities to acquire or lease state-owned land in accordance with the procedure set by laws. The Department of Land Management and Law and other institutions are ready to finish preparation of land management projects for the land reform in whole country in order to restore ownership rights to land, forest and water bodies for the Lithuanian citizens until 2001.

There are 1286 cadastral area within the territory of Lithuania. The land reform gained higher speed especially in recent years. By 1^st March, 1999, 344,700 decisions were made to restore ownership rights to land, forest and water bodies (to the area of 2,310500 ha). Out of this number by the same date 90,700 decisions were made restore ownership rights to the area of 5,973 thousand hectares of land while the state bought it out or compensated for it in cash or state securities.

The speed of land restitution is the highest in those counties and districts where the land productivity is the best – it means the counties of Marijampole, Kaunas, Panevezys and Siauliai. Ownership rights in those counties are restored to 2/3 of the land area indicated in the applications.

The implementation of the land reform is most complicated in Eastern part of Lithuania especially in Vilnius region. At present 35% of citizens in Vilnius county have not yet submitted the documents proving the ownership right or kinship with the previous landowner. Problems arise because the documents proving the ownership right are within the archives of Lithuania, Byelorussia, Russia and Poland. Many important archive documents have not survived, therefore the citizens are forced to address the court to prove the rights.

Though, a progress is made in the recent years, unfinished land reform limits land market functioning. Consequently, this hinders agricultural and rural development.

Development and approval of the land reform projects, legitimisation of private ownership rights to the land, forests, water bodies and elucidation of spare land areas will stimulate development of the land market. It has been foreseen, that after concluding the land restitution process, the spare land area will comprise around 0.5 million hectares of land. The non-agricultural land may be already sold to the interested physical or legal persons as well as the foreign citizens.  When the amendments are brought into the article 47 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, foreign citizens will be allowed to also acquire agricultural land.

Implementation of measures foreseen in the national Rural development plan will also stimulate development of the land market, because the existing private land tenures are too small to run perspective and competitive farm. Lithuanian farmers in the nearest future will see the need to increase their farms in size, also to make them more comfortable for usage and it will enable them to buy or rent more land. This will lead to a new very significant economic land reform stage which will be directed at the environmental protection, land reorganisation and consolidation process. Usage of agricultural land would become more comfortable, more efficient in economic terms with the increasement in area and shortage of distance between the fields.

1.1.21    Veterinary sector

The great importance of beef and dairy sectors in Lithuania suggests that the veterinary sector is a key agricultural policy area, particularly with regard to the pre-accession strategy and to safeguarding export markets.

The State Veterinary Service (SVS) was established in 1991. It is an autonomous organisation, reporting directly to the Prime Minister but with close links to the Ministry of Agriculture. Generally, it is responsible for the control of animal health, of zoonosis infections and veterinary public health control of products of animal origin, including food. Only food of animal origin in shops and supermarkets is excluded from control by the veterinary services. The Veterinary Council of Lithuania, which comprises representatives and specialists from the State Veterinary Service, the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy and the Lithuanian Veterinary Institute has a general advisory function for the whole veterinary sector. In general, therefore, procedures for the control of products are comprehensive and well integrated with the animal health controls.

Operating in headquarters, Veterinary legislation in enforced by the State Veterinary Service, through 4 departments, 10 county veterinary services, 34 district State veterinary services and 5 city veterinary stations. There is one National Veterinary Laboratory and a laboratory at each of 10 counties. 23 border inspection posts (BIPs) have been established on the Lithuanian land borders with Latvia, Poland, Belorussia and Kaliningrad, at 3 airports and 2 sea ports. Following the accession of Lithuania and their neighbouring Associated Countries to the EU, the number of BIPs at road and rail border crossings can be greatly reduced, and priority given to the construction and equipment of 9 long-term BIPs with Belorussia and Kaliningrad and the international ports and airports of Lithuania.

The SVS employs about 600 veterinarians. About another 1400 veterinarians are engaged in practices; 170 veterinarians are busy with the operation of private veterinary pharmacies and supply companies.

Lithuanian veterinary sector has made a big progress in integrating EU veterinary acquis into the national veterinary legislation. To a large extent, PHARE programme makes a considerable contribution to strengthening veterinary sector. (see also chapter 1.4). It is expected that PHARE support to the sector strengthening will continue in the future.

1.1.22    Current situation in rural areas

At the end of 1997, the total rural working population was estimated at 475,500, constituting about 30% of total Lithuanian employment[7]. One in six rural employees was above retirement age (about 58,000, i.e. 11% of the total rural working population). Agriculture remains a main activity among the rural population: the sector employs 58% of total rural employment. The second largest employer is public services - healthcare, education and social sectors. It constitutes 15.6% of the total rural working population. (Table 36 in Annex I).

Usually, the rural activity rate is considerably lower than the urban one. At the end of 1997, it was 57.4%, compared to 62.7% in Lithuanian urban areas. Similarly, the rural employment rate was lower than the urban. Despite this, the rural population is less unemployed than in urban areas. But the age structure of the rural unemployed is unfavourable: the large number of rural youth unemployment is common. At the end of 1997, the unemployment rate among rural youth up to 20 years of age was nearly 30%.

Table 14. Activity, employment and unemployment rates in rural areas compared to urban

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics – Labour Force Survey, 1997

Consequently, lower activity and employment of the rural population leads to lower average disposable household income, when compared to the urban population. In 1998, rural household per capita income was 30% lower than the urban one. Additionally, rural household income grew at a slower rate. Therefore, the already existing gap between rural and urban households in terms of income keeps on widening.

Table 15. Household income per capita in rural and urban areas

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1998

Thus, data on employment and household income reveal major weaknesses in Lithuanian rural areas: first, high dependence on one source of income - agriculture; second, high unemployment among rural youth; and third, a widening income gap between rural and urban households.

1.1.23    Social and physical infrastructure

Education

The main types of schools operating in Lithuanian rural areas are primary, secondary and vocational. At the end of 1997, there were 752 primary schools (46 % of the total school number). The number of rural secondary and vocational schools grew in 1997/98 to 251 and 107 respectively. In addition, there were one private primary school, one gymnasium, 6 special schools for disabled children and one school for juveniles operating in the Lithuanian rural area. Since 1993, the total number of schoolchildren has increased in all types of rural schools. During the last five years, the number of pupils in rural comprehensive schools increased from 126 thousands to 138 thousands: on the average, in one rural school from 78 to 86 pupils. The number of pupils per teacher is lower in rural schools than in urban ones.

There are 40 agricultural schools, 12 higher education agricultural schools and one college that together train agricultural specialists and skilled workers for employment in agriculture. The schools are mostly situated in the countryside. The training and re-qualification of the adult students also takes place there. The most popular majors are in agricultural accounting, organisation of land exploitation and geology, agricultural commerce and green plantation and design.

To provide consultancy and vocational training to rural population, Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Services (LAAS) were set up. LAAS provides consultancy on crop and livestock production technologies, agricultural economics, accounting, prepares farm improvement plans. Besides, Lithuanian Chamber of Agriculture also is involved in providing technical assistance to farmers. It mostly focuses on developing alternative activities in rural areas, organises training and seminars.

In spite of a dense network of Lithuanian rural schools, education quality expressed by farmers' education level is rather poor. At the end of 1997, only 14% of farmers had a university degree. Approximately 38% had a profession related to either agriculture or farming. Only one of ten farmers has participated in farming training and seminars.

Infrastructure

Compared to urban areas, Lithuanian rural areas have a lower standard of living in terms of physical infrastructure. Although, at the end of 1997 there were no villages without electricity, wide disparities between rural and urban areas existed in water supply, central heating systems, sewage and telephone networks. Only 43.5% of rural residential units, or one third of rural settlements, have central piped water supply systems. Approximately 700,000 rural inhabitants use drinking water from 300,000 dug wells. The same is true for sewage systems. In total, 733 sewage systems have been installed in rural areas. They serve around one third of rural inhabitants. Poor development of water supply and sewage systems raises major environmental issues.

Recent investments in the telephone network increased the number of telephones per 100 rural inhabitants to 13.4 in 1997. However, the rural areas still lag behind the urban by almost a half.

Table 16. Rural infrastructure compared to urban areas, at the end of 1997.

Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics, 1998

Though Lithuania has a well-developed road network, which is well maintained, the condition of local roads is not so good. At the end of 1997 the total length of local roads was 42,157 km. And approximately 80% of them were surfaced.

To conclude, poor water supply and sewage systems represent a major threat to rural environment. Besides, existing disparities in infrastructure between rural and urban areas and poorer quality of life may lead to migration from rural to urban areas. These trends would have a negative impact on rural development and threaten the sustainability of rural communities.

Soil drainage and irrigation

Drainage and irrigati