THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HORTICULTURAL SECTOR IN EASTERN GERMANY SINCE 1990

The reunification of both German states in 1990 made it necessary to reorganise the property rights on production resources.
In addition very strong adaption of the enterprises to conditions of an open market and international competition were necessary.
Within a short time, the horticultural sector of Eastern Germany passed through structural changes which are not finished until now.
The production capacities have been reduced considerably in the New Federal States since 1990. The fruit production area decreased by about 70%, the vegetable growing area was reduced to 15% of the original area and the production of ornamentals under glass was reduced by about 80%.

The radical changes in the centrally planned economies of Eastern Europe came to a surprise for most people.
Corresponding to this, politicians as well as economists were not prepared for the new situation.
Until now there is not any uniform and adequate theory which explains the very complex transformation process that happens within the fields of politics, economy and society during the transition from a central planned economy to a market system.

In in this paper an analyses of the transition process is carried out from the viewpoint of horticultural enterprises.

XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 14: Horticultural Economics at Micro and Macro Level, International Trade and Marketing, International Cooperative Programs, Relations between Research, Development, Extension and Education

W. Bokelmann, W. Lentz

economics, Transition

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2000.524.18