Zmiany w rolnictwie województwa podlaskiego po integracji z Unią Europejską

The objective of this paper was to assess major changes within agricultural economic activities in Podlaskie region (NUTS 2) which occurred between 2002 and 2012. These economic changes in family farms (a dominant form of farming in Podlaskie) across the region were found to be substantial as a result of implementation of the funds offered by the European Union (EU) within Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Over this period the number of farms in the region decreased by 13%, average Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA) of commercial farms increased up to 11.38 ha, and livestock production increased substantially. Additionally, structure and intensity of non-agricultural activities in farm households both on- and off-farm improved. Livestock production predominated (approaching to 90%) within commercial agricultural production; dairy production was approximately 50% of total livestock production. It was proved that the EU funds implemented to Polish agriculture over 10 years, since 2004 until 2012, caused more diversification and multi-functionality and, through this, more sustainable economic activity in family farms across Podlaskie region.