Economics of Development
Economics of Development
ISSN 1683-1942 e-ISSN 2304-6155 UDC 33
DOI: 10.63341/econ
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The experience of Poland in the development of agri-food clusters

Oleh Kucherenko, Andrii Astafiev

Received 11.12.2025, Revised 08.04.2026, Accepted 19.05.2026 Published 29.06.2026

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the features of the functioning of agri-food clusters in Poland through an analysis of their organisational structure, mechanisms of interaction between participants in the value chain, financial support, and performance results. The methodological framework combined document analysis, structural-functional and case-based approaches, comparative-analytical methods, descriptive interpretation of quantitative indicators, systematisation, and scientific generalisation. The study established that agri-food clusters in Poland function as multilevel networks combining raw-material producers, processing enterprises, logistics structures, sales channels, research institutions, and support bodies. As of 30 June 2025, 83 cluster organisations were registered for Poland on the European Cluster Collaboration Platform; in the 2024 benchmarking sample of 42 clusters, the total number of participants was 4,942, and the average was 117.7 participants per cluster. The key mechanisms were short supply chains, direct links between producers and buyers, shared logistics and packaging solutions, and cooperation in food quality systems. Financial support from the European Union forms the resource basis for development: the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan of Poland for 2023-2027 is EUR 25.243 billion, with EUR 7.778 billion allocated to rural development. The study generalised that the performance of Polish agri-food clusters is determined by the completeness of value-chain coverage, the coordinating role of the cluster core, the participation of research and advisory structures, and the ability to combine local sales forms with broader market channels. The practical value of the findings lies in their possible use by agricultural and regional policy bodies, cluster coordinators, farmers’ associations, processing enterprises, and research institutions for improving cross-sectoral cooperation, planning funding, developing short supply chains, and strengthening the organisational resilience of the agri-food sector


Keywords:

financial support; logistics structures; processing enterprises; self-government; market

https://doi.org/10.63341/econ/2.2026.42

Retrieved from Volume 25, No. 2, 2026

Pages 42-52

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Suggested citation

Kucherenko, O., & Astafiev, A. (2026). The experience of Poland in the development of agri-food clusters. Economics of Development, 25(2), 42-52. https://doi.org/10.63341/econ/2.2026.42