THE SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF MEANS OF PRODUCTION IN AGRICULTURE IN POLAND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the functioning of agriculture and food systems worldwide, including Poland. The industry of production means and services designated for agriculture is a crucial component of the food economy and a factor in agricultural development. The study aims to identify and evaluate changes in the sales and consumption of agricultural inputs in Poland and the impact of these changes on the dynamics of agricultural production. The research period covers the years 2017-2021, with a particular focus on 2020-2021, which marks the span of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs various research methods, including critical literature analysis, a descriptive approach, the comparative method, verbal logic, and descriptive statistical methods. The data utilised in the paper are sourced from the Main Statistical Office and the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics - National Research Institute. During the years 2017-21, the sale and use of agricultural production means in Poland varied, reaching a peak level during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the dominant sales involved plant protection products, feeds, and agricultural machinery, while in 2020, mineral fertilisers were prominent. An increase in the sale of cereal sowing material was noted in 2020/21, especially wheat seeds. Energy consumption in agriculture primarily came from liquid fuels, with a noted decrease in energy use since 2019. The pandemic did not significantly affect the dynamics of energy consumption. In conclusion, the conducted analysis indicated that the influence of the sale and consumption of production means on production in Polish agriculture during the examined period was insignificant. Such a dependency should be identified over a more extended period. The strongest relationship was observed between global agricultural production exchanges and changes in the use of mineral fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]