Farmers’ Opinion about the Potential to Pursue Non-Farming Occupation Opportunities

Agriculture in Poland and the Polish farmers are confronted with numerous problems, mainly of the financial nature. Not surprisingly, they seek to change this difficult position and improve their economic situation by looking for alternative sources of income. As consequence, the existing model of countryside is evaluating to encompass new functions. The aim of this research was to examine several options available to farmers, who can either expand their existing activity, or venture into the new territory and start non-farming occupation. The diagnostic poll method combined with the questionnaire technique was chosen in order to gather the empirical data for the study. The research was conducted between 2014 and 2017 on the group of 155 respondents. The study proved that they were aware of the possibility to undertake non-farming occupation. The farmers who took part in the poll realized the potential to expand their activities in order to encompass new forms of generating additional income. They pointed at numerous advantages and factors, which inclined them to undertake such a challenge, however they were also well aware of numerous disadvantages and obstacles the new undertaking might involve.