FARMERS’ SOCIAL INSURANCE SYSTEM IN POLAND AS SEEN BY THE FARMERS

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the farmers’ opinion on the functioning of their dedicated social insurance system. Particular attention was also paid to the development of different forms of social insurance and to the functioning of the Farmers’ Social Insurance Fund (Polish acronym: KRUS). The analysis was based on a literature review and a survey conducted with 114 farmers registered in KRUS offices located in Działdowo, Iława and Ostróda, with assistance from the Olsztyn Regional Branch. The data collected enables an objective assessment of the entire social insurance system and reflects the farmers’ views on the system and its reforms. The research shows that the accident insurance, health insurance and maternity insurance schemes work very well (41%) or well (34%) according to the farmers concerned. The respondents also expressed their satisfaction with activities undertaken by KRUS, especially in the social field (61%).

Keywords

• social insurance system
• agriculture
• farmer
• Poland