The sutainable system of agriculture and countryside development

Csete, László

It is increasingly obvious from our present investigations that we can hope to escape the controversies of the present day globalizing world only via sustainability, creativity, development of alternative energy resources and people’s cohesion. This applies particularly to the transitional problems of domestic agriculture arising from the change of political system in this country, where a systematic introduction of a sustainable regime for the development of agriculture and countryside would be especially desirable.

The attainment of sustainability and countryside development is taking place simultaneously but independently in each country in the EU, but a deliberate combination of national strategies to draw on the advantages of interactions and interrelationships is perceived to be increasingly urgent. Brussels is yet to recognize the use of such a strategy. Globally sustainability has hardly made any noticeable advances so far, whereas at local levels confusion can be detected. For countryside development the LEADER programs based on local initiatives are being executed and for sustainability the LA-21 (Local Agenda 21) programs have been started.

Based on the actual domestic situation, EU aspirations, the globalization phenomenon and present research, it can be stated with reasonable confidence that agricultural and countryside development combined with sustainability is of paramount importance in achieving a synergistic effect at all levels (local, regional and global), at all dimensions (natural environment, society and economics), in all forms of production and consumption (people’s and producers’ consumption) and for all participants (individuals, entrepreneurs, community organizations, politicians).

The complex and dynamic system of sustainable agricultural and countryside development consists of sustainable production, sustainable farming system, sustainable enterprises, sustainable countryside and sustainable settlements.

The described system may constitute the backbone of an independent countryside development program, because it corresponds perfectly well with changes of EU regulations expected between 2007 and 2013.

A unified, programmed approach to sustainable agricultural and countryside development is particularly important in Hungary, because farmers and country people are pinning their hopes of improved living standard on such an approach, in place of the present system of dealing only with details, ignoring any interactions and even bringing about confrontations.

With sustainable practices in agriculture and countryside development we can ensure the long-term preservation of the quality of natural resources exploited in agriculture and forestry and that of the country environment, the adaptation to global challenges, the fulfillment of increasing quality requirements, improved competitiveness and elevated living standard for farmers and country people, that at the same time contributes to the social advancement of whole society.

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