The notion and status of individual farmer according to the amendments to The Bill On Shaping Of Agricultural Structure

The article discusses a wide range of issues concerning the amendments introduced to the Polish bill od 11th April 2003 on shaping of agricultural structure by the law of 16th September 2011. Among other things, the law altered definition of the individual farmer, one of the most important institutions in Polish system of agricultural law. In the first instance, the article examines the modifications of the criteria which construct the definition of the individual farmer. Among them the special emphasis is laid on the criterion of professional qualifications, because of the fact that its redaction was strongly criticized on the basis of the former legislation. Author makes an attempt to evaluate the new formulation of above mentioned definition trying to point out its both positive and negative aspects. Further, Author describes current status of individual farmers in Polish agricultural law, indicating few regulations which concern this professional group in Poland. The analysis refers to the situation after the introduction of the law of 16th September 2011 and results in firm dispraise of the current regulations. With respect to above–mentioned arguments, the strong need of further studies both on definition of individual farmer and his status in Polish legal system– is to be stressed