The article examines the scope and level of prepararedness of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the field of the food market to operating within the European Union. Results of a survey carried out in the middle of 2003 by the Institute of Home Market and Consumption are presented along with available statistical data and the publicly expressed views and experts’ opinions on this issue. The purpose of the study involves, among others, examination of basic aspects ofthe firms’ preparedness for accession, as well as of the undertaken and planned actions associated with their adjustment to operation in the changed conditions. The assessed areas of enterprise preparation for accession included: the conformity of activities with changing legal regulations, adjustment to food production and distribution requirements, as well as activities taken up in the area of tangible and intangible resources and marketing behaviour contributing to enterprise efficiency. Taking into account the present degree of adjustment of the surveyed firms to European standards and the directions of activities planned in this area it seems that the actual state of preparations is unsatisfactory and not providing favourable conditions for fast internationalisation of domestic enterprises.