ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AS A FACTOR OF COMPETITIVENESS OF ENTITIES USING LAND FROM THE AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY STOCK OF THE TREASURY IN THE WARMIAN-MASURIAN VOIVODSHIP

Abstract

The aim of the research was to identify the significance and conditions of using economic integration as a factor of competitiveness of entities using land from the Agricultural Property Stock of the Treasury in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodship. The subject of the study were farmers’ opinions on economic integration activities carried out on their farms. Research in a group of 166 farms located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodship was carried out in 2018, using the diagnostic survey method, using a questionnaire. Integration with other business entities or agricultural environment institutions by most of the surveyed farm owners was not recognized as an important factor of competitiveness. Greater integration potential was present in large farms (100-500 ha), in farms with a predominance of revenue from plant production and in entities with a significant share of revenue from non-agricultural activities. Business entities more focused on integration activities more often declared a pro-innovation attitude and greater interest in participating in the creation of local food product brands. In economic policy (regional as well), it is important to strive to increase the implementation of integration activities, by, among others, offering a wider range of training and sharing information with farmers about the benefits and methods of implementing effective economic integration.

Keywords

• economic integration
• competitiveness
• agricultural farms