Despite this, there are over 100000 rural farms in the region, using an average surface of about 13 hectares.

The structure of rural areas makes good conditions for further development of the production of milk and beef. Potatoes are mainly cultivated in the area of the province of Podlasie, as well as cereals (rye, oats, wheat, corn) and sugar beets. In the last  years, the owners of rural farms have seen more and more success –in their agrotouristic activities .

The following branches of the economy are of major importance in Podlaskie Voivodeship: food processing, light industry, wood industry and the production of machines.

The most dynamic development is observed in the production of food. The plants operating within this sector specialize in the processing of milk, meat, poultry, as well as cereal and beer making. Large and modern dairies located in Podlasie are famous for their excellent products in all of Poland. They function using modern technologies, many of them have already received the ISO certificate. At present, some of the dairies are authorized to export their products to the EU countries.