Innovation Opportunities in the Rural Regional Food Sector in Poland: Implications for Creating Effective Policies

Innovations are the driving force of change and are essential even in traditional activities such as regional food production. This is especially important considering that locally produced food can be a healthier, more organic, and sustainable alternative to mass-produced food. In this context, the research aims to identify the characteristics of innovative producers and their implications for creating effective policies in the rural regional food sector in Poland. A survey research study using an electronic questionnaire was conducted among a group of 400 regional food producers in Poland in July 2024. Differences between the groups analyzed of regional food producers were examined using a series of non-parametric tests. The results indicate that innovative regional food producers differ significantly from non-innovative producers in many aspects. In terms of raw materials, finance, knowledge, and skills, the differences concern the greater reliance on external resources, as well as a weaker connection with family knowledge and skills, compared to non-innovative producers. The contribution of the research includes the identification of conditions that facilitate the innovativeness of regional food producers, as well as the features that enable or hinder this process. The dissemination of innovations among regional food producers in Poland requires financial and non-financial support. Support for innovation is a crucial component of an effective rural development policy in Poland.