Here stands the Centrala Agencji Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa. It is on Poleczki 33 in Warsaw.
The Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa was established in 1994. Its purpose is to support the development of agriculture and rural areas. Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa plays a vital role in Poland’s agricultural sector.
But what exactly does the Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa do?
Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa implements instruments co-financed by the European Union. It also provides assistance from national funds. As an executive agency for agricultural policy, Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. It is also under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance regarding public funds management.
The structure of Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa is three-tiered. It includes the Centrala here. There are 16 Regional Branches in each province. 314 District Offices complete the structure.
The Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa helps farmers. It also aids rural residents, entrepreneurs, and local governments. The Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa extends its support to entities in the fisheries sector too.
Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa provides support under EU or national programs. These programs target the agricultural and fisheries sectors. It supports the development of agri-food processing. It distributes aid for rural development. This includes investments in infrastructure. Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa supports residents of rural areas. It maintains a register of farm animals.
Direct payments are a key instrument. They support farmers’ incomes. Financial support is given to farmers relative to their crop area. The minimum area is 1 hectare. Direct payments were first paid to Polish farmers in 2004. This followed Poland’s accession to the European Union. Farmers apply for these payments annually. The standard application period is from March 15 to May 15. Late submissions are accepted within 25 days. However, payments are reduced by 1 percent for each day of delay.
To date, Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa has paid out 264 billion PLN in direct payments.
Other EU co-financed programs include interventions in agricultural product markets. This amounts to approximately 11.17 billion PLN. The SAPARD pre-accession program was implemented from 2002 to 2004. It provided 4.51 billion PLN to farmers.
The Sectoral Operational Program “Restructuring and modernization of the food sector and rural development” for 2004-2006. 6.56 billion PLN went to Polish farmers. It also supported processors in the agri-food sector. The funds were used for rural development.
The Sectoral Operational Program “Fisheries and Fish Processing” for 2004-2006. Beneficiaries received just over 1 billion PLN. The Rural Development Plan for 2004-2006 saw Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa pay out around 10.88 billion PLN.
The Operational Program “Sustainable development of the fisheries sector and coastal fishing areas 2007-2013”. 4.26 billion PLN was disbursed. The Rural Development Program for 2007-2013 allocated 74.29 billion PLN to beneficiaries.
The Fisheries and Sea Fund 2014 – 2020. The Agency paid out approximately 3.16 billion PLN. The Rural Development Program for 2014 – 2020 is in its final stages. As of October 2024, Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa has disbursed just over 69 billion PLN.
The European Funds for Fisheries for 2021-2027 are being implemented. Also the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023 – 2027 is underway.
Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa also provides assistance to farmers from national funds. This takes the form of interest subsidies on investment or disaster loans. It also includes repayment of part of the loan capital. This applies to special credit lines launched by banks cooperating with Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa. Guarantees and sureties are provided for bank loans. Student loans are also guaranteed. There is assistance for Rural Housewives’ Associations. This is for conducting statutory activities. Other actions are implemented due to natural disasters or adverse events.
Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa maintains a register of agricultural producers. It runs the National Register of Rural Housewives’ Associations. It operates the system for the Identification and Registration of Farm Animals.
The Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of the agricultural sector. It is a cornerstone of Poland’s rural economy.