Sustainable farming systems in the CEECs are connected with preserving the resource base and environmental conservation, as well with the maintenance of productivity and the economic viability of the farming system. Ecological and economical factors go hand in hand to establish a sustainable agriculture. The following conclusions can be drawn based on this review:

1. A conceptual base for "operationalization" is offered by the concepts of productivity, profitability, stability, diversity, flexibility, time dispersion, sustainability, complementarity and environmental compatibility and equitability. Productivity is defined as the output of valued product per unit of resource input. Profitability can be measured by gross margins for activities, by various whole-farm measures or by various discounting measures. It seems like profitability is generally very low in most CEECs. The state of stability, which signifies the ability to maintain productivity despite normal fluctuations and cycles in the environment, is not clear from the review. It may vary from country to country. Typically, stability can be measured through the coefficient of variation. The measures of diversity, flexibility and time dispersion are not resolved in this review. Diversity can be measured through Simpson’s diversity index, whereas flexibility can be quantified by the variety of uses to which products can be put. Time dispersion can be measuredthrough a time dispersion index. Sustainability, or the ability of a system to maintain productivity while subject to stress or shock, does not seem to be in good shape in the CEECs. The state equitability, or the evenness of the distribution of the agroecosystem’s productivity among the human beneficiaries, seems to be problematic, at least in terms of evenness in the distribution of land. Finally, environmental compatibility is not present because many of the natural resources that are relied upon, such as soil and water, are being degraded.
2. In spite of the narrow definition of sustainability given above, all nine concepts reflect the three wider dimensions of sustainable farming systems. Sustainability needs to be empirically applied on the farming systems level. However, sustainability needs to be defined first on a national level and then proceed downward conceptually.
3. Completion of initiated privatization programs while granting full property rights to the land owners are preconditions for the long-term improvement of the productive capacities of farming systems. If the users of land do not have clearly defined property rights, they are not going to make investments for the long-term improvement of soils and productive assets.
4. The low profitability of farming systems makes it difficult to take into account environmental factors, which in the long run will affect the population’s welfare to a significant degree. To improve profitability and thus to make it possible for farmers to develop their farms and farming systems, it is necessary to first arrange proper credit possibilities and proper nutrient management systems (e.g. for manure and adequate fertilization).
5. In addition, functioning credit markets are missing, are based on personal relations or excludes smaller- or medium-sized farms. Because of unstable conditions farmers are also reluctant to take the financial risks presented by loans. Taking into account the liquidity constraints and high interest rates often demanded by private money lenders, it would be of utmost importance to improve credit markets, possibly through establishment of micro-loans schemes.
6. Most CEECs lack adequate extension systems, input and equipment supplies and infrastructure. In virtually all CEECs, the extension system seems to be inadequate or insufficient.
7. The sustainability of farming systems implies having control over environmental problems. The most widespread and urgent problems seem to be erosion and land degradation, the degradation of waterways, nutrient deficiency in many soils, contamination of soil with pesticides and heavy metals and the salinization of soils. Biodiversity is important locally, but it does not seem to be the problem with the highest priority. It is possible to use checklists in order to determine the factors affecting the sustainability of farming systems. Such checklists have been provided in the section "Factors affecting the sustainability of farming systems". The checklists are not supposed to be entirely comprehensive, but they indicate which issues need to be looked at carefully. A checklist is a first indication as to which variables should be given attention.