eesti keeles

Speeches
Open in print mode

The President of the Republic at the closing ceremony of the competition ''The Farmer of the Year 2002'' on November 5, 2002
05.11.2002


Honourable Mr Minister,
Distinguished Conference Members,

At first, let me thank the newspaper ''Maaleht'' and the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce for they have made it a tradition that the best farmers are honoured every year. In autumn, after crop has been stored and harvest re-examined, the title of the farmer of the year is awarded to the worthiest of them.

In fact, all our farmers deserve honouring. To you having assembled here, I need not explain the trials and tribulations of our agriculture and farmers over the last decade. Competition has been hard. Comparing production and marketing conditions in Estonia with those in the European Union, we could even say that the competition has been somewhat unfair to the Estonian farmer. However, our most progressive farms, cooperatives and private limited companies have managed to implement the most modern technologies in tillage and livestock farming.

Indeed, we could criticize decisions made in the past, but we can forge ahead only while co-operating constructively to defend our interests rather than complaining. This applies in every respect to the European Union as well. Estonia's accession to the European Union will help to remove trade barriers, but entering the western market also will bring about new rules. While implementing them, first the interests of Estonian exporters must be taken into consideration. I am sure that defending his interests, the Estonian farmer among his European colleagues, too, will be a partner to be reckoned with.

At this point, I would like to thank also the ''Maaleht'' and the magazine ''Maamajandus'' for their vital role in passing on the experience of farmers and other rural entrepreneurs.

Yet, what makes this year so special for the Estonian agriculture and our state in its entirety is the fact that we are awaiting the invitation to the European Union by the end of the year. Whereas the farmers are most of all interested in an answer to the question: what is awaiting us in the European Union? And that is the very subject of your today's debate.

Today, announcing the Farmer of the Year, we are honouring ten agricultural leaders for their work and activities. I wish you and all Estonian farmers staying power and every success in your preparations for the next harvest.


© 2006 Office of the President l tel: + 372 631 6202 l fax: + 372 631 6250 l sekretarvpk.ee