Portuguese Farm Policy and the European Union free essay sample

This paper discusses the effect of the European Union (EU) policy on Portugals agriculture. This paper states that the European Union funding programs did not improve Portugals ability to competitive with other European Countries in the agriculture market. The paper details the EU Common Agricultural Policy, the current Portuguese agriculture situation, the food retailers and the character of Portuguese Farms. It concludes that agricultural policies will not be enough to slow the transition of the younger generation from farmers into other areas. When Portugal entered the EU, it did so from a position of lagging far behind other countries in technology and production methods. Its chief agricultural exports are grain, potatoes, olives, grapes, sheep, cattle, goats, and poultry, beef and dairy products. Only 10% of the country is engaged in agriculture as compared to 60% in services and 30% in industry. As of 1999, Portugal imported more agricultural products than it produced (Eurostat, 2001). We will write a custom essay sample on Portuguese Farm Policy and the European Union or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page