Can Small and Medium-Sized Mountain Farms Survive in a Globalized Era? A 10-Year Overview of Recent Common Agricultural Policy Implementation in Slovakia

Almost 90% of Slovakia’s agricultural land is managed by holdings of 100 ha or more. The decline of small-scale farming stems from historical collectivisation, the persistence of large farms, and Slovakia’s entry into the EU CAP in 2004. In addition to global factors behind this trend there are also specific national and local issues that remain less visible. Which factors play a key role in the decline of small-scale farming? What are the implications of this trend for the rural mountain landscape? This study analyses farmland at the local level, recent CAP developments, and farmer responses through in-depth questionnaires. Findings show that small-scale mountain farming area is reduced, grazing is often replaced by mowing, and parcels are absorbed by larger farms. CAP’s administrative burdens and weak social capital are key barriers. Farmers managing up to 30 ha would benefit more from systematic support rather than small additional subsidies.