EN
Unless the Polish scientists participate in the processes more actively, the realisation of long-term goals as well as fast rural and agricultural changes will be very difficult. For over a hundred years other countries have experienced the benefits of the contribution of scientists and agricultural extension services in the development of agriculture. All those countries, which over a hundred years ago decided to invest in the development of agricultural and rural science and education are now the leaders in the agricultural sector. Close mutual co-operation among scientists, agricultural extension officers as well as farmers is the essential factor on which the increase of production and economic effects are largely dependent. The model of the Agricultural Knowledge System (AKS) shall be introduced, together with closely related systemic approach to the stage-by-stage creation of agricultural knowledge. It will be the background for presenting the influence of the provision of agricultural knowledge and extension services on the improvement of the competitiveness of agricultural sector. It will be followed by the presentation of the functions and tasks carried out by extension services units. The review is summarised by the presentation of the main reasons contributing to weak functioning of AKS in Poland.