ECONOMIC REFORMS IN POLAND: IMPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE

Throughout the world, agriculture has become integrated into the economy at large. Therefore, it is not possible to analyze the process of economic and political transformation of agriculture without reference to the general thrust and speed of reform (Pasour, 1992). In this paper, we will argue that Poland, like other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, faces a dilemma of economic and political reform. Further, we will discuss some of the central variables which tend to constrain the process of economic transition and recovery. Following we will first discuss some of the central effects of partial and stepwise economic reform. Second, we will analyze the pros and cons of economic shock therapy, i.e., of a rapid switch to a market economic system and its implications for institutional change. Third, we will try to shed light on some of the political economic aspects of transformation. Fourth we will discuss a number of factors constraining the speed of economic recovery. We will conclude with some remarks about the prospects for economic transition in Polish agriculture.