The cultural heritage of the Polish rural community constitutes a specific type of capital with which the Polish society is entering the integrated Europe. The author of the article draws attention to the possibility of formulating a different than the often expressed extremely critical opinion about that heritage. She also emphasises the significance of the society's positive or negative attitude towards its own tradition. The article's conclusions, which find confirmation in the results of surveys conducted in various parts of Poland in 2003, suggest that a positive attitude towards the rural heritage displayed by the society described by sociologists as a peasant society is more conducive to pro-European attitudes and creation of a new system than criticism, full of complexes vis-a-vis the West, which, at best, may lead to the creation of an imitative capitalism and peripheral democracy.

The article deals with the role of rural elite in creating and activising the countryside's social capital. The article is based on the results of surveys carried out in six rural communes in May-June 2002. Poland's accession to the European Union may mark the beginning of the process of demarginalisation of the country's rural community if individuals and groups can be found that will actively and effectively use opportunities offered them. In accordance with the theses put forward by contemporary sociologists "social capital" plays the key role in overcoming stagnation in any environment. The author contrasts the rural elite with the remaining inhabitants of the surveyed communes, and tries to answer the question about the condition of the rural elite and its ability to create social ties, associations and the atmosphere of mutual trust. The results of the conducted surveys allow to formulate a thesis that the elite's members are strongly rooted in the rural communities and are potentially able to lead these communities safely through the trauma of transformation thanks to the relatively high level of possessed social capital.

The author of the article puts forward two theses. The first emphasises the strategic character of changes in the system of values, mentality and bonds in the process of shaping patterns of behaviour within the European Union's institutional system. The second thesis puts the stress on the neo-endogenous development as the principal type of mechanism of social development in the EU countries. This calls for the shaping of contesting subjectivity and participating subjectivity of the Polish society as specific ways of its participation in the public life. The author points to the presence of such subjectivity in the farmers' protests of the 1990s and in the lobbying of organisations active in the food sector. In the author's opinion the popularisation of such patterns of behaviour is the key to success in Poland's integration with the European Union.

Rural households, as all other households, form a social-economic micro-system that is linked to the macro-system at various levels, especially at the level of the market of goods and services, and the level of the labour market. Because of the existence of these interrelations changes occuring both in the macro-system and micro-system generate mutual transformations within each of these systems. Simultaneously, the direction of evaluation of these changes is essential, with assessments ranging from extremely negative to positive. The results of conducted surveys prove that rural households have been particularly strongly affected by changes in the socio-economic macro-system, which are assessed negatively by most of them. A metaphorical expression of these assessments can be found in the opinion formulated by Wilkin (2000) who notes that the position of Polish farmers has changed from that of a privileged group into that of a bankrupt group. These negative assessments clearly determine the rural households' opinions on the process of integration with EU and exert an influence on their expectations as to changes relating to the satisfaction of their needs.

The article is devoted to the evolution of the Polish agricultural sector's structures ahead of Poland's accession to the European Union. The article consists of the following three parts: a general presentation of the European Union's strategy in the context of the organisation's enlargement by new members; a scenario of a strategy for the Polish agricultural sector's accession to EU; the category of convergence in relation to Poland's agricultural sector.

The development of non-agricultural economic activities and broadly understood enterprise is generally recognised as the best way of resolving the problems of the rural community and rural areas. The preparation and adoption of methods leading to the achievement of economic goals are among the most difficult tasks connected with local development. The emergence of many new economic entities in rural areas, besides those specialising in agricultural production that play the dominating role, is connected with the creation of conditions facilitating their operation. The author of the article presents a review of enterprise supporting instruments, which do not apply directly to changes in the operation of farms, but which serve to support non-agricultural economic activities in rural areas and local communities.

The processes of accession to the European Union, which are considered to be the most important instrument of the Polish rural community's adjustment to the requirements of functioning in the global and information society, lead, among other things, to the marginalisation of agriculture as the principal source of income for the majority of farmers' families. Therefore, a need arises to find a new place for them in the economy. This calls for the creation of many new jobs, especially in rural areas but outside agriculture, in the situation of a diminishing offer of full-time occupations. Unfortunately, the residents of rural areas - especially farmers, seem to be insufficiently prepared for efforts aiming to ensure them income from several different sources. This fact, combined with the present extremely difficult financial situation of the residents of rural areas and the high level of unemployment, is responsible for the gravely pessimistic assessment of not only their own prospects for the future but also the future of rural areas as the place of residence and work. However, the rural economic system has always been characterised by the presence of the processes of diversification of the rural population's income sources, and the last four decades of the 20th century have proved decisive for the strengthening of a multi-vocational model of economic activity conducted in Europe's rural areas. Such model is regarded to be the principal and necessary condition of their sustainable development.

Diversification and multifunctional development are currently trendy definitions, which signify an unprecedented widening of the range of economic activities carried out in rural areas. Although farming still remains the rural economy's principal segment, the diminishing role of income obtained from agriculture and the decreasing number of jobs that it can offer to the rural population makes one pay greater attention to the creation of various non-agricultural or agriculture-related functions of rural areas. Multifunctional development is not a new phenomenon, but in the present situation of the Polish rural community the pace of such development will certainly become faster. Currently, only 8% of the population active in agriculture earns its income from farming exclusively, which increases pressure towards the search for non-agricultural sources of income. Thus, the reorientation in the principles of development of rural areas towards multifunctionality is becoming an urgent necessity. The process of Poland's integration with EU creates a great chance for the Polish rural community to enter the path of fast development. Neither the Polish government nor the Polish rural community are able to generate means as large as the structural funds offered Poland by the European Union.

The present policy for the development of rural areas is gradually evolving towards the concept of sustainable development as evidenced by the application of such instruments as farming-environmental programmes, afforestation programmes or assistance to regions where conditions for the development of economic activities are unfavourable. These instruments are advantageous to the development of rural areas that possess great natural values. The presence of many beautiful areas in Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesia) province makes it a suitable venue for the development of agro-tourism and other ventures using the attractiveness of the local landscape.

Attention given in Poland to the problems of agriculture is greater than its economic significance. The Polish society is seriously concerned over agriculture's destiny in the European Union. Some of the fears felt by Polish citizens have been dispelled owing to an information campaign carried out prior to the national referendum on Poland's accession to EU and the results of negotiations conducted in Copenhagen. The positive outcome of the referendum can be largely attributed to the Polish society's confidence in the principles of the Common Agricultural Policy and, especially, the guarantees of financial support for agriculture and its non-production functions.

Accession to the European Union calls for an intensified activity of advisory services in Poland. These services should concentrate their efforts on consulting concerning adjustment to conditions of operation concordant with EU requirements and use of assistance offered within the Common Agricultural Policy and structural funds. Changes are, therefore, needed that would help create a system of rural and agricultural advisory services rendered by various institutions, complementary in character and having different sources of financing. There is room in this system for advisory services rendered by state-run, self-government and private entities. What really matters is the direction of their work. Farmers need mainly agricultural (technological and economic) and agricultural-environmental advice, whereas the residents of rural areas need chiefly advice on multifunctional development of villages, as well as social-economic and rural-environmental issues.

A long-term strategy of activities is needed above all in the period of rapid and radical changes, especially when the introduction of changes entails the allocation of huge amounts. Such situation is just emerging in connection with Poland's incorporation into the structures of the European Union. So far, Poland has had no long-term strategy for the development of agriculture and rural community and it is clear that in these two spheres both the scope of changes and the means involved will be particularly large. The article presents the assumptions of a strategy for the integrated development of rural areas, which also covers agricultural issues. The concept of integrated development of rural areas is predominantly based on the territorial and comprehensive approach that takes into account the production, social, cultural and environmental aspects of development. The strategy of integrated development embraces activities that are launched at different levels: the EU, national, regional and local ones. The preparation and implementation of such strategy calls for the adoption of new solutions relating to the public system of steering development processes, which would allow to preserve the subsidiary character of such system.

In the early stages of economic reforms in Poland large farms had a negligible share in the structure of the Polish agriculture. The dominating role in the group of large farms was played then by state-run farms (PGRs), whereas the role of co-operative and individual farms was minimal. The political and economic transformations, especially the influence of the free market rules, have led not only to a considerable growth in the number of large farms but also, or mainly, to radical ownership and legal-organisational changes in the internal structure of the group of large farms. These changes have occurred chiefly owing to obligatory restructuring and privatisation of state-owned farms. A completely new group of large farms, dominated by privately operated farms, has emerged as a result. The core of this group is formed by the so-called post-PGR farms. Most of them are now privately-owned, mainly under lease agreements, and have different legal-organisational forms. State-run farms have a minimal and fast shrinking share in the group of large farms. Large farms are the fastest developing type of farms in Poland. In this group of farms the processes of restructuring and modernisation are clearly observable, whose purpose is to increase the competitiveness of farms through the optimisation of their production structure, employment, specialisation and concentration of production. These processes are based on the extended reproduction of fixed assets, geared towards the introduction of modern techniques and technologies both in the animal and plant production. These processes lead to an improvement in the productivity of plants and animals, labour productivity and the economic condition of the farms in question. Thanks to all these efforts the majority of the analysed farms is economically strong or even very strong and well prepared for competition on the common agricultural market. Poland's accession to EU should exert a positive influence on both the current income situation of large farms and their development prospects.

The author discusses the definitions and meaning of two notions - human factor and social capital. Making a reference to the hitherto studies and analyses the author formulates a thesis that the role of these factors is gaining in significance in step with the general socio-economic development. Emphasis is laid in the article on the assessment of the present state and future role of these factors in the development of agriculture and rural areas in Poland. Attention is drawn to the main shortcomings and needs relating to quality improvement and increased influence of the discussed factors in the process of integration. In the conclusion of his article the author states that a considerable inflow of financial means as well as structural and administrative changes will not produce full possible advantages unless a radical improvement is achieved in the sphere of quality and creative participation of individuals and social capital.

In 1996-2002 Polish farms continued adjustment processes inaugurated at the turn of 1989 together with the change of socio-economic system in Poland. A relatively large group of farms proved unable to cope in the new conditions. Some of these farms were liquidated, some limited their activities to the production of food for the needs of their owners exclusively, whereas others abandoned agricultural production altogether, with their owners looking for other sources of livelihood. On the other hand, there also were farms that continued to enlarge their acreage and modernise their production potential despite the difficult conditions of operation. In 2002, only 72% of all Polish farms were delivering their goods to the market. In comparison with 1996 the number o such farms diminished by nine percentage points. The most important reasons for this decline were insufficient managerial skills of agricultural producers and unfavourable natural conditions, mainly the poor quality of soil. The same factors will most probably continue to determine the condition of Polish farms after May 1, 2004, which may mean that only a part of the farms will be able to avail themselves of the budget resources offered within the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. Thus, phenomena similar to those observable in 1996-2002 can be expected to occur in the Polish agriculture also in 2004-2006. The number of farms will be declining and their diversification will be progressing. A part of the farms (500,000-800,000) will certainly manage to find their place in the division of labour that will occur in the integrated Europe.

The Polish agriculture has a significant production potential but it is not being fully utilised, which means that there still exist considerable production reserves. The Polish farms achieve lower production and economic results than the farms in the European Union due to the less favourable natural conditions and technological backwardness. It can be expected that following Poland's accession to EU the Polish agricultural sector will encounter strong competition from agriculture of the EU member states. Only large, economically strong and effectively and flexibly managed farms, run by enterprising, open-minded farmers possessing indispensable qualifications and general knowledge will be able to successfully cope with such competition. The Polish agriculture is facing a period of changes, in which the features of character and the ability of farmers to adjust to the changing requirements will be playing an ever more important role. A considerable part of farmers will transform their farms into supply allotments. The producers who will turn into entrepreneurs will have to introduce advanced technological solutions. The farms will become subject to many regulations that are yet little known to Polish farmers. They will be offered opportunities to obtain various means but this will require great effort on the part of farmers and advisory services in respect of winning access to the necessary information and raising professional skills. The Polish agriculture will obtain support in the form of direct subsidies. However, they will be lower than those obtained by farmers from the present EU member states.

Poland's accession to the European Union creates opportunities for acceleration of the modernisation process of Polish agriculture. According to the world experiences, agricultural development is still less related to the endogenous conditions of the sector, but depends more and more strongly on agricultural and first of all on macroeconomic policies. Tendencies for growth occurring in the entire economy are the most important factor of competitiveness of the food sector. The satisfactory results achieved in the macro-scale influence farming and its environment. Transfers of the EU resources will be extremely important in order to overcome the development barriers. However, the outlook for acceleration of the economic growth in Poland is threatened, among other things, by difficult situation on the labour market, deep inequilibrium of the public finances and the low level of domestic savings. They may prove not to be sufficient for financing the necessary investments in the period of faster economic growth. The membership of Poland in the European Union also means fundamental changes in both the scale and the system of financing agriculture. Nearly a half of the total EU budget is spent for carrying out the Common Agricultural Policy. Taking over by Poland of the CAP rules under the conditions agreed in Copenhagen will bring about an increase in both the scale and the scope of subsidies available for the food producers.

The main attempt of this article was to present how the Polish integration wit EU may affect Polish agriculture during the first few years after accession. The subjects of the analysis were measurable factors, e.g., the results of negotiation, and the factors which were not negotiated but will appear as a result of the EU enlargment. The level of quotas and para-quotas, changes in the input and output prices, reduction of domestic support, chosen instruments of the first and second pillars of the CAP and structural funds were assessed. Agriculture's position was analysed from the perspective of agriculture as a sector as well as from the individual enterprises' point of view.
The analyses allow stating that intagrated operation of the assessed factors should cause an income increase of the sector and majority of the farms. A high increase of relative income is estimated. However the increase in absolute numbers will not be large enough to allow radically change the common economic and social situation of the Polish rural population. Neverthelles, good usage of negotiated support instruments depending on institutional preparation may create favourable conditions for a fundamental improvement of socio-economical sistuation of the Polish agriculture and rural areas.

When Poland joins EU structures, it will have to abandon previous-day country and agricultural finance policy. It will come instead within the Common Agricultural Policy, structural funds and other membership policies. The aim of the article is to introduce up to the present existing and new tasks in financial support of country and agriculture development. After its accessionto EU, Poland will lose the right to use pre-accession funds. It will, however, gain access to structural funds which are in force in EU member states. After the EU accession, as a part of the common policies programme, agriculture and rural areas will receive in years 2004-2006 (only from EU budget) about EUR 2.4 billion, that is close to EUR 2.4 billion per annum. This amount is about two times larger than budget expenses on agriculture (without expenses on KRUS) in 2002 (PLN 5.1 billion, which is equal to EUR 1.3 billion). The mentioned sum will be allocated to: compensation payments, market interfervention, supporting agricultural development, structural funds in agriculture.

The paper in an attempt at analysing the hither to experiences in IACS system implementation in Poland. The Integrated Administration and Control System is the measure of the European Common Agricultural Policy funds distribution in the field of direct payments. It is divided into two parts: informatics one and the technical and organisational one and it is operated by the Agency of Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture in Poland. There are some barriers to its functioning, but there seems to be enough time (2004-2006) of initial functioning of the system to overcome the problems. The author proposes in the work some solutions facilitating the system's implementation and making its operation more efficient. In this context the paper describes the role of direct payments in CAP instruments and emphasises the evolution of EU measures in the area.

One of the main results of systems changes that have been under way in Poland for several years is, besides other things, the Polish meat industry's possibility to compete, which makes it necessary that as many Polish meat plants as possible reach the EU hygienic, sanitary and technical standards. This process was speeded up in the last three years. It is not realistic to think that all Polish meat plants which undergo modernisation programmes will achieve EU standards on the day of Poland's accession to EU. It is possible that about 1,800 meat plants will reach such standards by the end of 2004. This can create a production base, which will effectively compete by means of prices and quality of meat and processed meat products with producers of such products in other EU countries.