DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE IN ROMANIA AND HUNGARY, ESPECIALLY IN THE PERIOD AFTER THE ACCESSION TO THE EU

Abstract

Agriculture is a vital activity that plays a key role in the food security of the population, has an impact on regional and local ecosystems and is a tool for the economic development of every country. Accession to the European Union had a serious impact on the agricultural performance of the accessing countries, and had an effect on the fluctuation of agricultural employees. The proportion of the population living in rural areas is also declining in Romania, Hungary and the European Union, as the primary source of subsistence in rural areas is agriculture, which is a less attractive alternative to the more competitive sectors provided by urban areas. As a result of the above mentioned processes, the structure of agricultural workforce is constantly changing and deteriorating, and for the young generation, agriculture and rural life are not a viable alternative for the future. An aging tendency can be observed for the agricultural workforce. The aim of the presented study is to examine and present the situation of the agricultural workforce in Romania and Hungary, the transformation of its structure in recent years, especially in the years following the EU accession, and to draw some important conclusions, which include the most important past trends and also provide future perspectives and suggestions in relation to the topic under study.

Keywords

• agricultural sector
• employment
• agricultural workforce
• romania
• hungary