agriculture and food economy in poland

EUROPEAN UNION ASSISTANCE
1991 was the first year when EU assistance was provided for Poland based on
the Decision of the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community
(EEC) of 1989 channelling assistance funds to Poland and Hungary to support
transformations and adaptation of the agricultural and rural sector to the
changing external conditions. Pre-accession assistance was provided under
Phare projects and as from 2000 from the SAPARD Programme. These
programmes continue to be implemented, though no new tasks have been
undertaken since 2004. Following accession to the EU, agriculture and rural
areas are funded from the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund
(EAGGF).
Pre-accession Programmes
Phare Projects
AGRICULTURAL POLICY
In the first years of Phare project implementation priority was given to
privatisation of state-owned farms, renewal of rural cooperatives and cooperative
banks as well as training for farmers and other persons working for agriculture and
its environment.
In 1994 wholesale trade structures were growing in importance in Phare projects
as well as agri-environmental programmes the implementation of which was
commenced then. In addition, projects aimed at food safety (HACCP – Hazard
Analysis and Critical Control Points), Good Manufacture Practices in agri-food
industry, ISO standards were becoming increasingly important.
Following 1995 a large part of funds was allocated for harmonisation of Polish
legislation with the acquis communautaire and adaptation of inspection services,
in particular veterinary and phytosanitary services as well as preparation of
administrative institutions for performance of new functions following
accession.
Gradually, investment projects were embarked on, in particular those related to
construction of technical infrastructure in rural areas (water pipelines, sewerage
systems, dumping sites, roads, re-electrification, etc.).
In 1998 the rules for Phare project funding were changed. Since then, the cofinancing
by the Polish side has become necessary. Simultaneously, rules for aid and
funds allocation have been modified. According to the new rules, 30% of assistance
funds were to be allocated for institution building or transformation and 70% for
investment relating to such institutional adaptation, i.e. mainly purchases of
computers, software and equipment for laboratories.
Within 1999-2003, 39 new projects were implemented, primarily aimed at:
- adaptation of veterinary border inspection services, laboratory control and
control of animal feedingstuffs, creation of administration responsible for
phytosanitary and food control
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