In the years of 1975-96 the area of oats production in the Zamosc region dropped from 19 to 8,5 thousand hectares. The drop was mainly caused by a decrease in the number of horses on farms and the introduction of more productive crops. Lower demand for oats brought about a drop in its prices. Consequently, the ratio of the price of oats to the prices of barley and wheat also dropped. Smaller area of oats production means a low demand for certified seeds. According to poll studies farmers are not aware of the importance of application of certified seeds and think that the high costs of certified material exceed the value of the expected rise in yield. The area of oats production may be increased by farms which apply extensive, environmentally friendly methods and especially those which breed horses.