In this paper, the processes of adapting to the market economy, which the agricultural credit market in Poland underwent during the 1990-2003 period, is examined. Under conditions of low agricultural income and the necessity of broad and deep restructuring in Polish agriculture, the credit market, as an external source of financing current production and investment, can play a very positive and important role for the development of agriculture and rural areas. The analysis focuses on the determinants of farmers' credit demand, changes in the supply side of the market and the role of the State. The term "agricultural credit market" is used to describe loans given to farmers. To realize the aim of the paper, various sources of data were used – official statistic data of GUS, reports of the Central Bank of Poland and the Banking Supervision, the state agency responsible for the preferential loan system, and the results of various studies. The main method of analysis is qualitative analysis, supported by quantitative analysis as a background.