Increasing the competitiveness of agriculture is of particular importance
for Lithuania after joining the EU economic area. The competitiveness of
agriculture depends on the needs of consumers and most importantly – on the
capacity to provide better quality and cheaper production than the competitors.
In 2004–2006 the purchasing power in the country increased and more
money was spent on food products. In 2006 the consumption expenditure on
food per one household member increased by 14%, in comparison to 2003. The
volume of sales of food products expressed by their value on the internal market
increased by 35%. Foreign markets for agricultural products are also increasing.
Exports in 2006, as compared to 2003, increased 2.3 times. The increasing
demand for agricultural products on the internal and foreign markets create
preconditions for increasing production. Lithuanian agriculture was able to take
stronger positions on the markets owing to the increased EU support.