EN
The development of rural areas is to be based on the principles of regional science and on the consequent regional policy. The analysis proved that in Poland during the years 1980-1989 and especially within 1989-1995 diversified tendencies (development, stagnation, recession) in different rural regions took place and the disparities and disproportions between rural regions are now enormous. This situation must be changed in the future. The regional policy of rural areas development until 2010 must take into consideration: -the growth of population and its demographic structure, -structural changes in Polish agriculture -regional diversification of rural areas in Poland. The chances and possibilities to achieve a high standard of life should exist in all rural areas (taking of course into account their regional diversification).