In terms of family farms, often the question arises: what is a family farm or how should it be defined? A general consensus on this matter does not exist but there is agreement that the matter concerns small and medium-sized farms where both assets and management of the farm are in the hands of family members and most of the work is done or managed by the family. There are about 100,000 such farms in Lithuania.
According to the farmers themselves, family farming is more than a profession – it's a way of life. Its activities are an integral part of family history, and land is passed on from generation to generation. Family farms not only produce natural products, they also cherish the old traditions and values. People who work on their parents' and grandparents' farm teach their children to respect nature, be patient and diligent.
In most countries, family farms not only help to preserve a rural lifestyle tradition but also revitalize the local market. It is clear that a region's economy picks up when family farms develop successful trade. Small farms are attractive as they often seek individuality. For example, there are farms specializing in the manufacture of cheese or the cultivating of spices, and even producing homemade ice cream from milk. By creating outstanding products farmers create more added value and it ensures the livelihood of the family farm.
Family farm production reaches consumers often directly or with just a few agents along the way. In this case, the family farm has a clear advantage over other entities. Having direct connection to people, the farmer becomes more sensitive to their needs, and thereby focuses on high-quality products, their freshness, flavour, and wholesomeness.
However, over the past two decades in most countries the number of family farms has decreased. The reason is production efficiency and increasing competition in the agricultural sector. Smaller farms have to survive whilst competing with the larger ones, and often have to start expanding. Unfortunately, expanding farms lose their uniqueness and continuity of traditions.
The EU has consistently sought means to support family farming. Such small farms are encouraged to cooperate with each other making it easier to sell their products. Cooperation of these family households helps them to negotiate with intermediaries. Family farms are also promoted and supported in their activities that encompass innovations and research findings. This helps to reduce the cost of goods, and produce more of them while maintaining high quality.
The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2014 as the International year of family farming, and the European Commission recently launched public consultations on the role of family farms in order to identify the key challenges and priorities for the future. These initiatives show how the family farming model is important to the economy of the EU and its social life.
Family farms may undoubtedly be identified as the agricultural base that has been thriving in Europe for centuries. They are competitive, sustainable, market-oriented, harmoniously integrated into the countryside and consistent with the general public interest.
