Agribusiness as a Factor of Regional Development in Eastern Poland

Changes in the development of individual regions in Poland are a result of many factors. Among them significant is the initiative of the inhabitants to undertake business, its development or expansion. The aim of the study was to characterize and evaluate a selected branch of agribusiness in the eastern region of Poland. In order to achieve this aim, the results of our own surveys were carried out among 115 entrepreneurs associated in various types of associations operating in the rural areas of the eastern region. The motivations to start the agritourist activity of the respondents, the conditions of conducting such activity and the support or lack thereof in the entrepreneur's environment were assessed. According to the analysis, the desire to start and continue agritourism activity is largely driven by a favorable environment both in the social and natural sphere. Agritourism is perceived as a positive factor in the advertising and enrichment of a given region, so it should be supported not only by the neighboring agritourism owner but also by the regional authorities. It should be assumed that as a result of relatively more fmancial and educational assistance for farmers, there will be an increased interest in starting development initiatives for agribusiness activities among the inhabitants of the region.