RDP 2014-2020 AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR SUPPORTING INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AREAS IN POLAND ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE MEASURE COOPERATION

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the level of support for innovation in agriculture and rural areas by RDP 2014-2020 on the example of the measure Cooperation (M16). Data from the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (2021) were used. Based on the analysis of all projects implemented in Poland, the size of the allocation of funds was determined broken down into subsequent calls. The spatial differentiation at the regional and local level was indicated, and detailed directions of spending the funds were specified. In total, 334 projects were submitted in the 3 analyzed calls for proposals, of which 48.2% received financial support. The total amount of co-financing was PLN 448.19 million. The allocation of funds was spatially uneven, which is visible both at the regional and local levels. Taking into account the place of implementation of projects, the greatest amount of aid was spent in the Mazowieckie, Łódzkie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie voivodeships. In north-eastern and north-western Poland, most poviats did not support the development of innovation in agriculture and rural areas under measure M16. Most projects implemented under RDP 2014-2020 concerned poultry and cattle, then apples, pigs, herbs, beekeeping, hemp, support for supply chains, cereals and potatoes. Projects supporting the development of technological innovations dominated.