The impact of Rural Development Program 2007–2013 on the competitiveness of Polish agriculture

Analyzing the conditions of Polish agriculture should be noted that agricultural land in Poland occupy 16,8 million ha, representing 54,0% of the total land area. In terms of agricultural area Poland ranks third in Europe after France and Spain. In comparison with other Member States, Poland has considerable resources of agricultural land, which per capita is approximately one 0,7 ha and the area of arable land in Poland is equivalent to about 20% of EU agricultural area. It should be emphasized that Poland is no way to becoming an important country in the agricultural markets in Europe. The natural conditions and determine the organizational and economic opportunities of Polish agriculture in the competitive struggle with other Member States. Large labor resources and low environmental pollution and promote the diversity of production management capabilities in accordance with the system friendly to the environment or making production of biomass for energy purposes. Undoubtedly, it strengthens the Polish position in the competitive struggle. This issue should however look systemically, taking into account beyond the support of the EU, the state intervention. The decision process for increasing the competitiveness of agriculture must be adapted primarily to natural conditions and economic organization of the country and each region. Indeed, these conditions determine the specificity and intensity of Polish agriculture and its competitiveness relative to other EU countries.Paulina Cichalewska, Sebastian Brodecki - Uniwersytet Warszawski1035536