Why it is important?

Mountain agriculture has specificities and some inherent constraints due to geographical isolation, a low level of infrastructure development, difficult climatic conditions and fragile ecosystems rendering production, marketing and development more difficult.

Agriculture and forestry are the most traditional occupational activities in the Carpathians, shaping the landscape of the area and the cultural traditions of the region. Since 1990, agricultural production experienced an overall reduction in intensity in terms of both crops and livestock. In many parts of the Carpathians much farmland was abandoned and large areas became fallow. The structure of the agricultural sector is now rapidly being reformed. This includes changes in land ownership and major shifts in traditional land use, even in margin agricultural areas.

Article 7 of the Convention requires the Parties to maintain the management of land traditionally cultivated in a sustainable manner, and take appropriate measures in designing and implementing their agricultural policies.