Agriculture 1550 up to 1600

Alongside deserted areas, the gentry started to “turn” the land cultivated by tributary farmers into farmland, in whole or in part, and also to increase the manual and compulsory peasant labour for its farms. There was a legal fixing of the farmers as colonies – dependent rural subjects. The farmers’ social situation increasingly worsened until they fell into serfdom.

The dukes of Pomerania conclude a 'heritage settlement' with the landed gentry in 1569, which includes a 'farming ordinance' that regulates country life.

Alongside deserted areas, the gentry started to “turn” the land cultivated by tributary farmers into farmland, in whole or in part, and also to increase the manual and compulsory peasant labour for its farms. There was a legal fixing of the farmers as colonies – dependent rural subjects. The farmers’ social situation increasingly worsened until they fell into serfdom.