Survey shows farmers are pessimistic about the future and EU membership

The Institute of Public Affairs (ISP) yesterday presented the results of their investigation into the attitudes of farmers and rural inhabitants towards Poland's accession to the European Union. In general pessimism is still the norm, however the number of farmers who positively evalue integration with the EU has slightly risen compared to previous years. Rural inhabitants are afraid of the EU, farmers suspect that once Poland becomes a member, a wave of bankruptcies will follow together with difficulties in selling their products and an increase in unemployment. Over one third believe that their life will be much harder in four or five years time. They are happy that they will have access to the new technologies, the chance to find work outside agriculture, and better perspectives for their children. Some 22% of farmers want to see Poland as a member of EU, while 33% would rather cooperate with Russia. (Gazeta Wyborcza, pp. 1, 6) A.D.