CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT AS AN ELEMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN THE LOWER SILESIAN VOIVODSIHIP

Abstract

The aim of the work was analysis of the activity of community cooperatives ”Farmers Self-Aid” and the estimation of their role in food management in the Lower Silesian region. On the base of carried research result, that cooperatives are characterized expendable material base and by low utilization of production capacity of plants. Renting of object is general practice. The co-operatives under investigation found themselves in a difficult financial situation and the are not able to meet the demands of competition. Significant improvement of that situation requires favourable policy on the part of the government involving preferential credits, investment cost reduction and real support of local authorities and their initiatives. Community cooperatives, following the pattern of other European Union countries, should become the partners of governmental administration in the food management in the region as well as. a crucial element of the development of rural areas.