Innovations in Polish agriculture on the verge of access to the European Union

Political and economic changes in Europe have inspired many integrating activities of the states so as to eliminate economic disproportions. This also creates conditions for the further improvement of living conditions in individual European regions. This covers many economic fields and highlights the importance of agriculture with the food economy. This is also related to the reconstruction of the social and national consciousness, unification of the economy and technical and law standards; many modifications are needed. Poland and Polish agriculture are now at the point of structural transformation to the free market economy, in line with European Union (EU) requirements. Contemporary agriculture plays an active part in the state economy, modernising workplaces and reconstructing processes and market structure. Off-farm forms of economic activity now play a greater role in generating better working conditions. Modem forms of agriculture and off-farm economy have been created called agribusiness. The paper describes the structural changes needed for the EU integration process and compares Polish and EU agricultures. The paper also illustrates the innovative character of Polish agriculture based on the improving trends within the EU.