Abstract:

The paper presents selected issues concerning the market of ecological, regional and traditional food products. It aims at encouraging activities contributing to sustainable development of rural areas and creation of non-agricultural sources of income among agricultural producers. The innovativeness of the undertaken actions involves protection of the cultural heritage of rural areas, increasing the attractiveness of rural areas and the development of agritourism as well as building relations with the local environment through cooperation with local authorities. The research was carried out using the desk research method based on the analyses of industry publications and local events presenting traditional and regional products from the region of Silesia. European policy of food quality and safety as well as principles of  regional and traditional products protection and promotion constitute important factors of innovation development in the area of local authorities' activities fostering entrepreneurship in rural areas in accordance with strategic documents on local development.