The rationale for conducting this comprehensive assessment was the need to establish a solid evidence-based foundation for the Lithuanian Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy. As the sector faced evolving global and local challenges, it became essential to evaluate the current state of Lithuania’s agri-food system and rural territories through three interconnected dimensions.
Regarding economic resilience, the assessment aimed to identify the drivers of agricultural productivity and competitiveness while determining how market fluctuations and technological shifts affected income stability.
In terms of social vitality, there was a critical need to address demographic declines by analyzing the quality of life and the effectiveness of interventions in promoting generational renewal.
The assessment focused on environmental sustainability and the impact of farming practices on natural resources to identified gaps in biodiversity preservation and climate change mitigation. The results of the project served to ensure that future policy decisions and financial allocations would be targeted toward the most pressing needs of the Lithuanian rural landscape.