engleski

Rural development as a factor of economic sustainability in Croatia

Rural areas in Croatia are characterized by an unfavourable economic and social situation and they are constantly falling behind urban areas. The key of progress of these areas is using available EU funding intended for rural development. The article carries out a research into the effects of using the financial resources of the EU intended for rural development, among agricultural entities in the Republic of Croatia. The study was done through using a questionnaire with 19 questions divided into two groups: the issues related to the characteristics of enterprises and issues related to the use of EUfunding intended to encourage agriculture and rural development. The study has found that agriculture is a fundamental activity in most of the surveyed companies and that the range of employees is moving from 1-5, in most of the cases. The same situation was noticed in the recruitment of seasonal workers, suggesting restrictions and reduced employment opportunities in this sector. As well the fact, that after 2010 only 10.8% new agricultural subject of total number of agricultural subjects were found, indicates on further behind in this sector, which has started in 90-ies.The results have showed that the highest number of respondents (51.4%) received more than 40, 000 kunas of agriculture support, which is mainly intended for purchase of new technologies and for the construction of facilities for the needs of the business. Respondents pointed out that they are partially satisfied with the funds for rural development.

EU, Republic of Croatia, rural development, sustainability.

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