Traditionally, agriculture has played a significant role in the national economy. Indeed, during Lithuania's first period on independence, exports of dairy products, beef and pork were among the country's main foreign-currency earners. Fundamental changes have taken place in Lithuanian food and agriculture since 1992. Agriculture has been reformed and new forms of agricultural units were established. The conditions are particularly well-suited for the production of grains, sugar beets, livestock and some fruits and vegetables.
Ecological agriculture is one of the trends in agricultural restructurisation.
It is becoming increasingly popular in Lithuania. Certificates are delivered by the public institution called Ekoagros, which was established by the Ministry of Health Care and the Ministry of Agriculture. The ecological agriculture community, called Gaja, works successfully. It unites around 200 farmers and agricultural companies which are interested in ecological agricultural farming. An increase is also evident in the import of agricultural and food products between 1995 and 1997.