http://foodsystems.wordpress.com Free Thinking on Food Systems Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:21:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.png http://foodsystems.wordpress.com http://foodsystems.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/poland-new-rules-impact-traditional-farming/ http://foodsystems.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/poland-new-rules-impact-traditional-farming/#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:00:17 +0000 tenderpad http://foodsystems.wordpress.com/?p=3 ]]> This article from the New York Times explores agriculture in Poland since it became part of the European Union. Rules dictated from Brussels have had a negative impact on smallholder farmers. Previously farmers were able to practice traditional, sustainable agriculture and make a good living doing so. Now the production harmonization rules of the European Union to modernize (industrialize?) agriculture has left smallholders in a precarious position. Rules around hygiene have effectively shut farmers out from participating in agriculture. Agricultural ‘modernization’ has resulted in pork and milk prices falling 30 per cent since Poland joined the European Union. Farmers are poorer – agri-business is richer. Agricultural tradition versus modernization: what side is ahead of the curve? Please click here to access the article.

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