ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONING OF SELECTED PAYING AGENCIES IN POLAND AND THEIR IMPACT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The paper presents authors’ studies of two paying agencies – Agency of Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARMA) and Agricultural Market Agency (AMA). The aim of the study was to present EU regulations on the criteria for the accreditation of paying agencies. Then, in terms of cross-cutting there was presented the functioning of the agencies, whose role changed significantly after Polish accession to the EU. The leading role is played by the ARMA, which is responsible for the distribution of more than 90% of the payment means. AMA, except payment function, plays an essential role in the regulation of agricultural markets. The proposal of fusion of AMA and APA (Agricultural Properties Agency) (2016) and creation of a new agency for rural development is not justified according to structural differences, organizational and salary level.