Developing Agroenvironmental Policies: Interactions Between Polish People and the State

Developing Agroenvironmental Policies: Interactions Between Polish People and the State

Agroenvironmental policies in new member states in CEE have been developed to align with the EU acquis. As a result, despite the lack of a negotiating role in the development of these policies, different states have interpreted EU Directives differently as a result of national histories and preferences. This study examines anti-GMO and conservation of agrobiodiversity campaigns and their interaction with public perceptions and legislation in Poland. I argue that anti-GMO legislation has been developed from the bottom-up in response to public opposition while agrobiodiversity legislation origniates from top-down international and EU law. Although the legislation regarding the two issues has been developed in a contrasting manner, both the actual implementation of laws and values of the public reflect a resistance to change both policies and practices.

Action researcher: Lenore Ethington, MESPOM 2011