World Bank Discussion Paper No. 268.The agricultural sector of Central and Eastern Europe is in the midst of a difficult transformation from a centrally planned economic system toward a market-based, openly competitive organization. This study examines the changes occurring in the region. It presents empirical evidence of the transition as experienced by private farmers and managers of farm enterprises that are being reorganized.A series of surveys conducted in five countries identifies several consequences arising from the transition. These include increased numbers of private farmers, a more efficient market infrastructure, and diminished access to social benefits. The data and findings contained in this study should prove useful to policymakers in former centrally planned economies and to international institutions that are designing financial and technical assistance.An annex with a country-by-country summary of outcomes from the surveys is included.