Effects of the free trade agreements on the development of the agriculture sector in the Balkan region

The signature of free trade agreements between the countries of the Balkan region has given these countries' economies more space and makes them much more competitive. These effects are sensitive mainly in the agricultural sector where the volume of trade exchanges in these last 3 years turns out to be significantly increased. On the other hand, the economic crisis has highlighted a number of problems which need to be considered for the agricultural market in the region. The experience of these years shows that for the agricultural sector in Balkan countries, there is a need for deep structural changes such as changing the size of the farm, the land market development and increased competitiveness. For this reason we should increase the level of public and private investments in the future.