Agricultural and rural development policies in the Baltic Countries

Low incomes and high unemployment in rural areas are issues of concern to policy makers in all countries. With the ongoing structural adjustment in primary agriculture employment opportunities are diminishing. This development has important economic, social and political implications with respect to establishing a vibrant and sustainable environment. These issues are particularly pronounced in the Baltic countries, which have recently emerged from a particularly gruelling transition process and are preparing for their integration into the EU. Low incomes and poverty are important concerns in many rural areas, especially in Latvia and Lithuania. A thorough examination of the underlying economic linkages between incomes, unemployment and economic development in rural areas is essential in order to identify the root causes of the problems and to design appropriate policy responses. This book is part of the OECD's ongoing co-operation with non-member economies.