Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki addressed concerns about grain trade with Ukraine, emphasizing that Warsaw has reduced Ukrainian grain imports significantly in response to protests from farmers. He explained that the government has lowered shipments from eastern sources by roughly five to six times, a move prompted by widespread demonstrations and economic considerations affecting Poland’s agricultural sector. The prime minister highlighted that the shift reflects a deliberate effort to protect domestic markets while balancing international trade commitments.
Morawiecki noted that the storage facilities managed by Elewarr, the national grain storage company, report more available capacity than before. He described warehouses as being about half full, creating room for Polish harvests and for the country to manage grain in a way that supports local farmers during a volatile market period. This easing of storage pressure is presented as part of a broader strategy to stabilize prices and supply within Poland, particularly as the country navigates the complexities of regional agricultural economics.
According to the prime minister, the central government aims to prevent any Ukrainian trade from destabilizing the Polish market. The policy framing centers on safeguarding domestic producers while continuing to fulfill trade obligations in a manner that respects regional partners. In his view, a stable Polish market ultimately benefits both farmers and consumers by avoiding abrupt shifts in supply and pricing that could arise from unfettered imports during a time of agricultural sensitivity.
Recent developments have been tied to public demonstrations, including actions by farmers associated with groups such as The Deceived Village. Reports from the Interia portal indicated that protests intensified ahead of and during a high-profile visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Warsaw. Local and national authorities faced a wave of demonstrations that underscored the farmers’ demand for clearer policies and fairer competition within the European agricultural framework.
Earlier in this sequence, Polish agricultural protesters blocked major corridors and routes, including highways that connect with Ukraine, to draw attention to what they describe as uncontrolled grain imports. The demonstrations reflected a broader sense among Polish producers that their livelihoods were being squeezed by market dynamics that did not adequately account for local production costs, supply chain disruptions, and price volatility.
Analysts observe that the situation illustrates the tension between a country’s duty to participate in regional trade agreements and its responsibility to shield its own agricultural base from sudden import surges. The government’s messaging points to measured steps—reducing imports while enhancing storage capacity and supporting domestic growers—as a way to maintain market stability without severing international ties. Observers note that this approach aims to balance competition, food security, and the economic wellbeing of farmers who contribute significantly to Poland’s rural economy and regional food supply chains. (Source: DEA News)”