Wpływ funduszy strukturalnych na wzrost konkurencyjności polskiego rolnictwa – wybrane aspekty ekonomiczne

The system of assistance for Polish farming has undergone some thorough changes and reconstruction since 1 May 2004. The possibility of using the Structural Funds has opened some new, never before seen development opportunites for Polish agriculture. The 2004–2006 programming period brought the first measurable effects of using the EU subsidies in Polish farming. The new financial perspective 2007–2013, which is currently in the process of distribution, has attracted great interest of potential beneficiaries. It must also be admitted that it is more strongly promoted in the media which also influences the increase in competitiveness through better access to information. In order to analyse competitiveness one must inevitably look at strategic management – competitive strategies of regions must be studied. The problems connected with the impact of Structural Funds on competitiveness of Polish agriculture briefly depicted above include only the most important elements of the analysis. The current picture reveals at least two contradictory economic visions. One of them is centred on increased competitiveness as a result of well–planned investment measures, creating jobs and setting up units which are able to challenge also foreign competitors. The other vision involves the impact of Structural Funds on maintenance and social security benefits, such as early retirement and other, which account for nearly 30 per cent of the RDP budget. Such measures constitute a certain reaction to the social and demographic situation in rural areas in Poland, however, they do not translate into improved economic indicators and they do not achieve the objectives set for them.