SELECTED DETERMINANTS OF INNOVATION ADOPTION IN POLISH FARMS: EVIDENCE FROM THE MAZOWIECKIE VOIVODESHIP

Aim: This paper analyzes the relationships between the level of innovativeness and selected demographic factors among farm operators in the Mazowieckie voivodeship in Poland. Materials and Methods:The data was collected through direct interviews, using a structured questionnaire conducted on a sample of 109 farmers.Innovativeness was measured by the number of implemented solutions: one or two innovations (basic level) and three or more innovations (advanced level).Results: The analysis revealed differences in the level of innovative activity depending on respondents' age, gender, education level, and farm size; however, a statistically significant relationship was identified only in the case of farm size.Male farmers and younger generations were more likely to implement modern solutions.A higher number of implemented innovations was associated with better access to EU funds and a higher level of education.Farms with a designated successor and a larger utilised agricultural area more frequently implemented innovations.Most respondents perceived investments in innovation as economically viable and positively affecting production efficiency and sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Conclusions:The results suggest that the young age of the farm owner and the presence of a successor may foster the implementation of innovations; however, these relationships were not unequivocally confirmed statistically.