Polska wieś w kontekście integracji z Unią Europejską

in the article it shall be stated that the major problems concerning Polish country are unemployment, low level of education and lack of agronomic/agricultural education among people conducting farms as well as structural incompatibility and technical and infrastructural retardation. Common Agricultural Politics of European Union is a chance to modernise rural areas, taking into consideration both agriculture and non-agricultural activities. Funds guaranteed by the Union are indispensable for Polish country, especially direct surcharges enabling farm update Renaissance of Polish countryside, return to rural tradition, culture and pro-ecological lifestyle would be possible thanks to actions consistent with CAP assumptions in form of programmes created by associations and LGD. A tendency to abandon ‘industrial’ farming in favour of quality production and increasing responsibility for natural environment and cultural heritage is observed. Intended actions of CAP aimed at rural areas in Poland are to decrease funds for agricultural activity in favour to support other, non-agricultural functions of country such as natural environment, non-agricultural sources of income or enhancing life quality. Such LEADER type actions are necessary to expand/develop rural inhabitants’ conciousness, build social capital of countryside and strengthen position of rural population. LEADER programme is to increase cultural and social identity of population.