Changes in Spatial Distribution of Arable Land, Crop Production and Yield of Selected Crops in the EU Countries after 2004

Abstract

Agriculture is not a major economic sector in EU member states in terms of economy, however, crop production in particular is necessary for the nutrition of the population, and it is also crucial for its non-agricultural functions. The aim of this paper was to analyse the differentiation in the spatial distribution of arable land, and the development of production and yield per hectare of selected crops—cereals, oilseeds and potatoes in the EU countries as these are the main crops in the EU. The analysis of the crop production development based on the comparison of the EU member states for the period from 2004 to 2019 through the index of change was performed. The results show no clear changes in the crop production across the EU member states and the monitored 5 to 6-year periods; however, dynamics in the “new” member states entering the EU after 2004 are higher. Above all, significant regional geographical differences between individual EU states were found, which mainly reflect different natural conditions and prerequisites for agriculture, as well as differences in the historical and social development of individual countries.