Przemiany na obszarach wiejskich i w rolnictwie w Polsce po przystąpieniu do Unii Europejskiej - perspektywa doradców rolnych
Changes in Rural Areas and Agriculture in Poland in the Period After Accession to the European Union: The Perspective of Agricultural Advisors

Summary/Abstract: Aim of the work: The main aim of this study was to assess the direction of structural changes taking place in agriculture and rural areas. This assessment was based on opinions obtained from employees of public and private advisory services. Research method: Source materials were obtained through surveys covering eight voivodeships in south-eastern Poland. Responses from 148 respondents were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the results, and the results are presented in tabular form. Key results: Based on information obtained from the literature review and the results of the conducted research, it can be concluded that the ongoing changes are leading to a gradual polarisation of farms - a fact noted by respondents. The availability of Community financial instruments supporting agriculture and rural areas is high. The opening of EU markets to Polish food products improves the income situation of agricultural producers. The financial dimension of EU accession was clearly recognised. In addition to the improved profitability of (some) farms, an improvement in the quality of life in rural areas was also noted. Respondents highlighted the development gap between areas undergoing suburbanisation and the rest of the countryside, particularly those remote from regional and local development centers. According to advisors, the positive changes occurring in rural communities in the 20 years following accession outweighed the negative ones. Main conclusions: Integration processes contributed to significant structural changes in agriculture and rural areas. The opening of EU markets to Polish agri-food products, combined with the modernisation of the food industry, contributed to an improved income situation for agricultural producers. Despite the positive assessment of the inflow of European funds for infrastructure development, it was emphasised that without activating endogenous potential, it will be difficult to ensure lasting and sustainable territorial development. At the same time, the need for more effective use of structural policy instruments was highlighted to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of rural areas.

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