Abstract
The focus of the article is on two issues. One of them is related to the process of multi-functional development of rural areas; the other one concerns the impact the European Union funds have on diversification of economic activity in rural areas. The study attempts to assess this impact with regard to diversification of sources of income gained by rural population and, consequently, with regard to multi-functionality of rural areas. The analysis was based on the number of applications processed and funds acquired within the measures under Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme 2007–2013 which have provided the most substantial support for multi-functional development of rural areas, i.e. ‘Diversification into non-agricultural activities’ and ‘Creation and development of micro-enterprises’.
Highlights
For many decades the growth of rural areas in Poland was based on the traditional, mono-functional model of management highly reliant on agricultural activities
One of them is related to the process of multi-functional development of rural areas; the other one concerns the impact the European Union funds have on diversification of economic activity in rural areas
The analysis was based on the number of applications processed and funds acquired within the measures under Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme 2007–2013 which have provided the most substantial support for multi-functional development of rural areas, i.e. ‘Diversification into non-agricultural activities’ and ‘Creation and development of micro-enterprises’
Summary
For many decades the growth of rural areas in Poland was based on the traditional, mono-functional model of management highly reliant on agricultural activities. Mirosław Biczkowski Marta Biczkowska tor which was covered with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) whose objectives include: multi-faceted approach to agriculture and rural areas rooted in the strategy of their multi-functional development This is because the intensification of the entrepreneurship growth in rural areas became one of the major ideas promoted by the European Union. With prevalence of the agricultural function in the majority of agricultural holdings and their poor economic standing the main target set in the process of stimulating rural areas in Poland is to conduct non-agricultural activity It constitutes an inevitable element of multi-functional development of rural areas (cf Bański 2003; Biczkowski 2010; Głaz 2010; Kołodziejczyk 2004; Pałka 2004; Wójcik 2004). The programme is operated to implement the concept of multi-functional agriculture and rural areas in order to improve the economic condition of agricultural holdings and boost competitiveness of the agri-food sector, for example through the creation of non-agricultural sources of income and promotion of employment in non-agricultural sectors in rural areas
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