Przekształcenia na polskim rynku świeżych owoców i warzyw w okresie jego dostosowania do unijnego systemu organizacji

The paper focuses on the analysis of the production, processing and consumption levels of fruit and vegetables in Poland in comparison to the situation in the European Union. Major factors influencing the lack of co-operation in the fragmented agrarian structure are identified. The changes in the fruit and vegetable distribution network and vertical relationships, in the framework of the new institutional economics theory, between the companies operating in the sector are also discussed. The system of fresh fruit and vegetable market organization in the EU is presented and major means for adapting it in Poland are described. The legal acts, implemented in 2000 to regulate the market in Poland are analyzed. Special attention is also paid to institutional changes needed to reduce high transaction costs between the participants of the fruit and vegetable market chain.