A long-term strategy of activities is needed above all in the period of rapid and radical changes, especially when the introduction of changes entails the allocation of huge amounts. Such situation is just emerging in connection with Poland's incorporation into the structures of the European Union. So far, Poland has had no long-term strategy for the development of agriculture and rural community and it is clear that in these two spheres both the scope of changes and the means involved will be particularly large. The article presents the assumptions of a strategy for the integrated development of rural areas, which also covers agricultural issues. The concept of integrated development of rural areas is predominantly based on the territorial and comprehensive approach that takes into account the production, social, cultural and environmental aspects of development. The strategy of integrated development embraces activities that are launched at different levels: the EU, national, regional and local ones. The preparation and implementation of such strategy calls for the adoption of new solutions relating to the public system of steering development processes, which would allow to preserve the subsidiary character of such system.