The improvement in the international competitiveness of the Polish food sector and its support with public funds during Poland’s membership in the EU

Abstract

Poland’s accession to the European Union (EU) meant not only active inclusion into the EU structures, but also the strengthening of internal forces, so that it could cope with the global competition and protect itself against its negative effects. In order to be a full partner, especially for the EU Member States, and to be able to develop, Poland – as the national economy – obviously, must be competitive in the international market. Due to this approach to the issues of competition and competitiveness, the major objective of the studies carried out at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics – National Research Institute (IAFE- NRI) was to assess the international competitive position of the Polish food sector and to verify a thesis that the competitiveness of this sector during Poland’s membership in the EU has improved.