CHANGE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND USE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PANEVĖŽYS REGION

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to analyze agricultural activities in the Panevėžys district municipality in 2010-2021. In the course of the research, statistical data were analyzed, the prevailing trends in the use of agricultural land by farmers and organic farms were reviewed. The land use situation in the Panevėžys district municipality is compared with the situation of the entire Panevėžys county. It is noticeable that a plot of arable land is needed for organic farming, but the number of these farms is decreasing. The change in the area of ​​agricultural plants occupying the largest areas was analyzed and a possible forecast of the change of these plots until 2030 was made. It was determined that a large part of the territory of Panevėžys district is used for intensive agricultural activities, the declared area of ​​agricultural land and crops is the largest in Lithuania. Although the European strategy encourages choosing more sustainable farming methods, it is noticeable that the number of organic farms in the area is decreasing, as well as the decrease in the number of farmers' farms, but the areas managed by individual farms are large in the Union. When making a forecast, two directions of the forecast emerge. For example, the area of ​​oilseed rape can continue to grow steadily, as it is one of the most expensive raw materials for production. However, as the need for rapeseed for biofuel production decreases, and observing the long-term forecast, these areas may decrease rapidly