A Struggle for Survival: The Polish Agricultural Sector from Communism to EU Accession

In: East European politics and societies: EEPS, Volume 19, Issue 4, p. 614-654

Abstract

This article discusses the evolution of the Polish agricultural sector, its struggle for survival since 1945, and the effects of this struggle on the Polish economy. The article provides insights and conclusions about the flaws of the communist economic system and central planning policies, the successes and problems of the Polish transition to a free market system, the effects of EU policies on the agricultural sector, and the depth of the relationships between the agricultural sector and the national economy. The article concludes with a discussion of the impact of the Poland-EU Association Agreement and the effect of preaccession policies on the agricultural sector. The analysis indicates that EU accession has not solved the structural problems of the Polish agricultural sector such as overemployment, farm size, and lack of capital. However, EU accession provides the potential for a better future if a stable economic environment is created and if foreign capital is attracted.