A Polish history quiz shows 68% incorrectly identified PGR as ‘Polish Farms’, revealing knowledge gaps about state-run agriculture during communism.
Historical Context
The history of the Polish countryside under PRL continues to evoke emotions. State Agricultural Farms (PGRs) were a significant economic element for decades, especially in western and northern regions. For many, the topic is known from family stories; for others, it’s merely a textbook term.
The quiz, whose results we report, was designed to test knowledge about PGRs and their correct full name. Participation details can be found in the original article.
Quiz Results
Most participants selected the wrong answer. The correct expansion of the PGR acronym proved difficult. The question stated: ‘PGRs were Polish Farms.’ Participants chose between ‘True’ and ‘False.’ The correct answer, marked in italics, was ‘False.’ A total of 37,412 people took the quiz (results as of Feb 18, 2026). Only 11,900 gave the correct answer, while 25,512 chose incorrectly. This means only about 32% of quiz-takers identified the right answer.
System Impact
PGR stands for State Agricultural Farms. These units operated in the Polish People’s Republic as state-owned agricultural enterprises. Their role was large-scale, centrally managed agricultural production. After 1989, PGRs were liquidated, and their collapse had significant social consequences in many regions.
State Agricultural Farms were mainly established on territories taken over after World War II. At their peak, they covered hundreds of thousands of hectares and employed hundreds of thousands of workers. They were not just workplaces but also centers of social life in many localities. The PGR acronym became permanently etched in PRL history as a symbol of state control over agriculture. For some, it represents memories of stable employment; for others, an example of an inefficient economic system. Regardless of assessment, knowing the correct name is important, especially as the question was not straightforward.
