The subject matter of these considerations concerns functions of the cross compliance within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). References to this principle are found in many legal acts, both in the first and the second pillar of CAP. The author discusses cross compliance in view of the functions of agriculture. In conclusion the author states among other things that cross compliance does not directly concern the primary function of agriculture, i.e. production of goods to be sold on the market, paid for using market prices or the resulting revenue function, connected with the livelihood of farmers. The basic function of cross compliance is to contribute to the provision of public goods by agriculture. The most important such goods include protection of the natural environment and assurance of food safety. Cross compliance also contributes to the creation of public goods of social and recreation nature. An essential function of cross compliance, although not resulting directly from the respective legal regulations, is also to justify the Common Agricultural Policy, both on the international scale and for the European community.
Przedstawiono ideę koncepcji cross-compliance w rolnictwie (przedsiębiorstwie rolniczym) jako element i źródło budowania przewagi konkurencyjnej na globalnym rynku. Podkreślono ważność zagadnienia jako narzędzia w tworzeniu pozytywnych relacji z interesariuszami i rywalizacji z konkurentami na rynku przez tworzenie pozytywnego wizerunku i działania ku dobru ogólnospołecznemu.