DIRECTIONS OF THE USE OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION FUNDS IN FARMS IN LUBELSKIE VOIVODESHIP IN 2019-2022

The aim of the study is to determine directions the use of European Union (EU) funds on selected farms in the Lubelskie Voivodeship in the period 2019-2022. The primary source of data was information from a questionnaire survey. The survey used the method of a diagnostic survey carried out with an online survey technique using a survey questionnaire tool. The survey was conducted in 2024 among representatives of agricultural holdings from the Lubelskie Voivodeship. The selection of objects for the study was purposive, with the condition of participation in the study being the use of EU aid programmes. The survey showed that farmers mainly used the Young Farmer, Eternit Replacement and Small Farm Development programmes. The farmers used the funds mainly to modernise their farms, including mainly the purchase of agricultural machinery and tractors. These investments arguably contributed to the modernisation, as well as to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of farms. The majority of farm owners would probably not realise the planned investments without the funds from the European Union funds, therefore it is important for the institutions authorised to do so to disseminate information about the projects addressed to farmers, as well as to support farmers in preparing the applications for financing with due diligence.