Spółdzielczość rolnicza we Francji i Niemczech – wybrane zagadnienia prawne i ekonomiczne

France and Germany are examples of countries where agriculture is an important part of the economy, there is a large number of farms and the cooperative movement is very popular. In the European Union there are over 22 thousand agricultural cooperatives. The article presents statistical data and legal regulations concerning agricultural cooperatives in France and Germany, in particular, the French Code Rural and the German Genossenschaftsgesetz. In conclusion the author states that the Polish legislature, creating a new model of cooperative law, should unquestionably draw on the experience and some legal solutions implemented in Germany and France, and in particular introduce a broad definition of agricultural cooperatives, a simplified procedure of their formation and functioning, financial instruments, including tax, and rules on merging cooperatives with other cooperative entities or companies.