They are being established not only by farmers, but also by city-dwellers who have had enough of living in the big city as well.

Mr and Mrs Gałęski moved out to the countryside a couple of years ago. They bought a farm, repaired the house and the surrounding buildings. “At the beginning we rented out one room, which we adapted for that purpose in one of the farm buildings,” recalls Zofia Gałęska. When their children grew up and moved out, the house became empty. They decided then to adapt three more rooms for tourists.

Today, they rent out four rooms with bathrooms and kitchenettes. Hot water and bathroom access are the basic conditions for attracting holiday-makers from the city. Zofia underlines that the farm’s location is its biggest asset. It is no coincidence that their farm bears the idyllic name of “Pond Valley”. Trekkers and fishermen will find there everything they need to enjoy their free time. Two fish ponds are located by the house, and a few other ponds are in the distance. Off-road cars are recommended for longer distance trips. There is also an airport where one can go hang-gliding.
Exquisite food is the housewife’s pride: home-made bigos and pierogi. “Pond Valley” is also frequently visited by foreign guests.

There are 80 agricultural farms around Poznan and almost 400 in the entire Wielkopolska. Most of them were set up in the 1990s, when farmers were looking for additional sources of income. A stay in such a place costs between 17 and 30 PLN per person. Full board means additional 25-35PLN per day. A dinner costs a little over 10 PLN.

Already there are people who are making a good business out of agriculture. Those people have adapted big houses or country palaces for holidaymakers’ needs. Some of them have even built big boarding houses. In such places, the season lasts all year round. Apart from family vacations, there are also courses and training sessions for companies, balls, weddings, New Year’s celebrations and carnival parties with sleigh rides and roast mutton.  

Poland’s integration with the European Union has had a positive impact on the agriculture development in Wielkopolska. Farms have more guests from abroad and their owners can apply for financial support from the EU. “Farm owners who belong to our associations, whose farms are granted a special category, can apply for a grant in the amount of PLN 50.000,” explains Ms. Krystyna Święcicka, President of the Poznan Agritourism Association. EU support generated more interest in agritourism among young farmers and city-dwellers looking for their own idea for business in this branch of economy.

Country holidays are not for everyone. One needs to like nature and quietude to enjoy them. They will not suit those who like to spend time in four-star hotels with a swimming pool. To avoid being disappointed with one’s holiday, it is worth getting as much information as possible: for example on-line at www.agro-turystyka.com.pl