Rozwój obszarów wiejskich w Polsce a dyscyplina naukowa „kształtowanie środowiska”

The paper analyses and evaluates the state of art of development of rural areas in Poland in the view of structural policy as a part of agricultural policy in 1918-2006. The performed analysis was the basis for defining the most urgent activities within the scope and for presenting the importance of the scientific discipline “Environmental Development” for the development of rural areas. The study presents the methodology, organizational and legal needs required to create a new investment process for improved development of rural areas.