This paper explores the role of the Common Agricultural Policy in creating non-agricultural jobs in rural Poland. The analyses were based on monitoring indicators of Rural Development Program 2007–2013 and public statistics. The paper argues that dynamic technological changes in agriculture require redefining the approach towards challenges related to the decreasing demand for human labor in agriculture. Although the CAP proves to have a positive impact on rural job creation in Poland, the results are a long way from meeting the needs. Therefore, this paper calls for a strategic re-orientation of CAP objectives and indicates the need for a more integrated policy which offers synergies with other types of EU and national public aid. Only such a policy mix can enable a more effective creation of quality jobs in rural areas.
