The Diversity Of Farm Production As The Basis For The Development Of Bio-Economy In The Malopolskie Province

Changes taking place in the environment in which we live raise questions about the acceptable limits of economic and social development of the country, and specific controversy arises over ecological limits of development. The concept of bioeconomy may be treated as a response to emerging concerns. It is increasingly emphasized by European politicians and identified as the driving force of the development of various areas of the European Union. Bio-economy is defined for the needs of the European Union as the sustainable production of renewable biological resources (plants, animals, microorganisms), as well as their rational use in the production of food, feeds, industrial products and bio-energy. The aim of this paper is to present and evaluate the diversity of farm production in the region of Malopolska in the context of the development of bio-economy. The source data come from the National Agricultural Census for the years 2002 and 2010 and the General Statistical Office. The study used such research methods as horizontal and vertical analysis, cause and effect analysis, and tabular and descriptive analysis. The diversity of production structures in rural areas of the Malopolskie predisposes this area to give full effect to the principles of bio-economy within it. Despite many difficulties faced by the Malopolskie province agricultural producers, the potential of this area provides opportunities for development in many areas, directly or indirectly related to agriculture. Bioeconomy can be a solution to the low profitability of agricultural production, where this production (even from the smaller-sized households) will have an alternative, more profitable directions of use (eg. Energy production). Bio-economy, through focusing attention on the resources may in a particular way support and protect valuable natural areas, which are in large quantities located in the province. In the end, supporting food production will result in the maintenance of biodiversity in the world of plants and animals, and this is managed particularly well by small farms of the Małopolskie province, which avoid monocultures and excessive use of chemicals in agriculture. An indirect effect of the implementation of the concept of the bio-economy is the ability to create new workplaces for people who, moving away from agriculture, can find employment in rural areas outside the farms.