Henryk Kowalczyk, who leads Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced that Poland has appealed to the European Commission for help freeing storage capacity for Ukrainian grain ahead of the upcoming harvest. The move is framed as a necessary step to stabilize markets and support farmers during a period of renewed volatility in global grain prices, according to reports from DEA News. Poland is seeking a targeted intervention that would create room for storage and prevent bottlenecks that could worsen price declines and disrupt farmers’ cash flow as the harvest approaches.
Kowalczyk explained that this measure would serve as a buffer against another round of price drops on world markets. The aim is to stabilize the earnings of Polish producers and protect the broader agricultural sector from the price pressures that have intensified in recent months. He emphasized that effective storage solutions would enable more dynamic sales and smoother export operations, reducing the risk that oversupply strains domestic markets or forces steep price migrations at a time when producers need predictability for budgeting and investment planning.
In addition, the minister highlighted an operational plan to ramp up both the purchase and the export of grain. The strategy involves a coordinated approach to gathering surplus, organizing efficient logistics, and expanding access to international buyers. Kowalczyk noted that, should the situation involve African markets, Poland is prepared to move the surplus out before the harvest peaks, ensuring that domestic stocks do not become a liability and that shipments to foreign partners proceed with minimal delays.
The government world view is that such actions must be complemented by strong collaboration with the European Commission. Kowalczyk called for robust support from Brussels to back these efforts, stressing that EU-level coordination is essential for maintaining market stability and protecting farmers facing price fluctuations caused by international trade dynamics. The appeal underscores Poland’s readiness to implement precise measures that align with broader EU agricultural policy while safeguarding the incomes of Polish farmers and their communities.
Former European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski affirmed that the European Commission plans to extend assistance to farmers in three EU nations—Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland—on the grounds that these farmers have suffered from reduced prices caused by a surge in Ukrainian imports. He explained that the European Union’s response focuses on mitigating price erosion by supporting market stabilization measures, improving storage capacity, and facilitating targeted exports. By coordinating with member states and leveraging EU tools, the bloc aims to cushion the impact on farmers while preserving market access and producer confidence in the agricultural sector across the region.