Opportunities and constraints for agribusiness in Poland : a private sector perspective

In addition to adequate and potentially highly productive agricultural land, the Polish agricultural sector has a sufficient technological expertise to adapt rapidly to modern farming methods. Nonetheless, the country has experienced persistent shortfalls in agricultural production due to: (1) shortages of basic inputs and processing capacity and inadequate storage and distribution systems; and (2) price controls which removed all incentives to produce in excess of central planning targets. This report assesses constraints to developing Poland"s agricultural sector and opportunities for investment in agribusiness. It provides a review of: macroeconomic issues, including tax, investment, and agricultural policies; efforts to de-monopolize and privatize state farms and cooperatives; and donor activities in food aid and management training. The current status of agricultural inputs, production, constraints, and food demand are summarized, followed by recommendations for technical economic assistance, U.S. private investment, and human resource development. Annexes contain detailed information on investment opportunities in animal production, seed production and supply, the oilseed sector, and food processing.