agriculture and food economy in poland

AGRICULTURE
General information on Polish agriculture
Terrain formation, climate and soil conditions determine the type and
effectiveness of agricultural production. The soils of average to poor agricultural
quality dominate in Poland. The country is characterised by great biological diversity
and a huge variety of natural habitats and natural landscapes. Farmland productivity
is much lower than that in the EU-15 due to the soil quality and the climate as well
as a much lower usage of agricultural inputs (mineral fertilisers, plant protection
substances). A significant part of farmers, in particular those owning small area
farms, are involved in agricultural production applying traditional methods, mainly
to ensure food supplies for their families. Animal production is mostly characterised
by low intensity, which is not harmful to the environment.
The type of farming is to a great extent determined by climactic and soil
conditions as well as traditions in particular regions. Potatoes, rye and grassland
dominate in central, eastern and northern Poland. Orchards and berry fruit
plantations are located in Mazovia, in lubelskie voivodship, in the region near the
town of Sandomierz as well as in Wielkopolska and ∏ódzkie voivodship.
Poland is a major producer world-wide and in Europe of many agricultural,
horticultural and animal products. It ranks as the second in Europe as regards the
production of berry fruits, mainly raspberries and currants. For many years Polish
agriculture has been one of the biggest producers of onions, cabbage, cauliflowers,
strawberries and apples. As rye and potato type soils dominate, Poland is a leading
producer of rye and potatoes: the 2nd largest producer of rye in the world and in
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