Transitioning towards sustainable agriculture in the Baltic countries – strategic and regulatory framework assessment

The agricultural sector in the Baltics has undergone significant transformations since gaining independence from the Soviet Union, transitioning from centrally planned systems to market-oriented approaches; and now, initially focused on increasing productivity and achieving self-sufficiency, agricultural policies in the Baltic countries has shifted towards environmental sustainability and climate resilience, aligning with the objectives of the European Green Deal. However, transitioning from conventional farming practices to more sustainable methods presents challenges for policymakers and farmers alike, necessitating a thorough examination of existing regulations and their effectiveness in promoting environmentally friendly practices. This study aims to analyse the strategic and legal aspects of sustainable agriculture in the Baltic countries, with a focus on field crop production. Two main tasks have been formulated: first, to identify key strategic and legal factors influencing sustainable agriculture in alignment with the EU strategies, and second, to conduct a case study investigating these factors’ impact on sustainable agriculture in the Baltic States, particularly how they align with the EU sustainability goals. The conclusions drawn from the analysis emphasize the importance of sustainable land management practices in mitigating environmental impacts and fostering agricultural resilience. While Estonia demonstrates average to good ratings across soil, water, air, and biodiversity factors, Latvia and Lithuania face challenges, particularly in soil condition and air pollution. However, it is concluded, that despite the progress, there is an urgent need for further evaluation and adaptation to address specific challenges, such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing emissions from agricultural activities.