Zagospodarowanie jablek w Polsce w ostatnim 40-leciu

The aim of this work was to define the changes in the utilization of apple production in Poland in t he years 1961 - 2008. This period includes 29 years of planned economy and 19 years of market economy. The main source of data for this study were publications of Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS), FAO, and the Institute of Agricultural and Food Econom ics in Warsaw (IERiG Ż ). The percentage of apples used for processing increased from 50% in the 1980’s to about 70% in the 1990’s to 80% at the beginning of the new century. Apple consumption per capita did not vary much in the years 1961 - 2008. However, the consumption of all kinds of fruit increased by about 40% during this period in line with the increase in the average monthly salary. The consumption of apples on the domestic market was much more evenly distributed throughout the year in market economy times. Further growth in apple production in Poland will be possible through increases in fresh fruit exports and in processing, and through better balancing of the seasonality of consumption. At present, locally grown apples in Poland are on sale all year round, however , their supply in the summer season could be augmented.