An investigation of the efficiency of National Agrarian Environmental Protection Program

Mile, Csilla

For the sake of success the introduction of group entry is warranted in all cases, for which an experimental example already exits in the English National Program. In this way the protection of a given natural territory would be significantly increased and so would the efficiency of the program. It is especially important that all managers of especially sensitive natural areas should participate in a given program in unison, thus avoiding pollution from the direction of neighboring territories.

The introduction of the program attracted a lot of interest and further demands have been expressed with respect to sub-programs and extension of zonal programs. It is important that mistakes should be avoided, such as in year 2002 when in a sub-program of integrated plough-field plant-cultivation, crop-rotation was made a condition of participation, but the plough-field plant used in rotation was not among the supported plants. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on the training of agriculture producers, on the level of their knowledge and in shaping an environmentally conscious attitude. A good opportunity is provided for this through the future formation of a network of experts to be part of the Agrarian-environmental-farming Information System (AIR) operated by the Ministry of Farming and Countryside Development. A reinforcement of the monitoring system is warranted such as increased frequency of inspections, involving checks on cultivation diaries as well as collecting appropriate samples.

The program offers a lifeline for small holders farming lesser well-endowed soil. In addition to normative land-based support, they may apply for support for those cultivating poorer land as well as for support to participate in one of several target oriented programs for preserving the traditional agrarian-environment. Additionally they can sell their produce on the open market, yielding further income. Information about this scheme should in all cases be widely dissipated, to each and every eligible farmer.

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