20 years of transition - institutional reforms and the adaptation of production in Estonian agriculture

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the most important reforms, their background, and corresponding changes in Estonian agriculture during the transition period from 1988-2008. The past two decades have been divided into three sub-periods to outline differences in dynamics and the direction of changes in agriculture. From 1988-1995, the main reforms were implemented and agricultural production decreased rapidly. From 1995-2001, the decline stabilised and nonviable farms exited the sector. From 2001 onwards, the positive effects of the EU pre-accession period and EU membership can be observed.