Tourism in Poland

Poland is only the ninth largest country in Europe. But it has just as many farms as in the entire United States. Rural areas make up 80 percent of Poland -- and almost every third Pole is a farmer.

But half of the farmers only produce for themselves and their families. Some don't produce anything at all. They're just registered farmers, as that gets them generous tax breaks from the government.

As a result, the sector accounts for less than 5 percent of national economic output. Yet the European Union showers subsidies on farmers in poorer areas. A large chunk of the EU's agricultural funds, though, goes towards diversification. Since low-lying Poland has unstable weather conditions and fluctuations in the length of seasons, experts encourage farmers to diversify and spread their risks.

And a low risk, low cost and high profit area to diversify into is rural tourism.

"It's a profitable business and it's a good source of additional income, as my farm is too small for commercial dairy production," said Marta Szlachter, who has a farm of less than a dozen acres. "Therefore, farm tourism is important in paying to keep the place in shape."

The progress in rural tourism is visible

The changes in the rural sector are also getting the country's food sector into shape. Poland has come a long way since joining the EU in 2004, said Czeslaw Nowak, a professor at the Agricultural University of Krakow.

"EU taxpayers' money is really well spent here, because the progress is visible, both in terms of the quality of products and the quality of services," Nowak said.

He said just 10 or 15 years ago in Poland, there was a shortage of food and of good quality in rural tourism.

"Now, it's much better," Nowak said. "You don't have to be brave to drink Polish milk!"

Tourists' stomachs can lead the way

That's certainly reassuring for anyone wanting to spend their next summer holiday here. And good home cooking can attract tourists, too, said Szlachter -- who makes delicious apple fritters with homemade apricot jam.

"It's true that because we're such good cooks on this farm, we get a lot of tourists coming here," Szlachter said. "But they also come here because of Ojcow National Park and the beautiful surroundings. I think the main reason, though, is the friendly atmosphere."

Everyone here is indeed overly friendly and polite. It is literally a breath of fresh air, especially after the cold and standoffish attitude you often get in western Europe.

Polish farms need more PR abroad

The landscape on the outskirts of Krakow is impressive, as well: rolling hills, limestone outcrops, thick forests and winding rivers. It's more than enough to give you peace of mind.

Jozepha Kormak said she recalled an American tourist who traded her busy New York lifestyle for a week on her farm -- milking a goat.

"She milked it everyday; it was a type of attraction for her," Kormak said. "A lot of our guests help out around the farm, like with feeding the animals. It gives them lots of pleasure."

So, Polish farm holidays are not just about eating well, the beautiful surroundings and a friendly atmosphere, they're also therapeutic. But many farmers said even more needs to be spent on promoting their farms abroad.

"Most foreign tourists are wary of coming here, because they think the conditions and accommodation aren't up to scratch," Szlachter said. "But that's not the case."

Szlachter said she does have some guests from Germany, Spain and Italy, but most of her visitors are from other parts of Poland.

Once word gets out about her delicious apple fritters, though, Szlachter can certainly expect more foreign visitors.