I’m here to solve problems; At this point, my resignation would be an escape from trouble – said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Henryk Kowalczyk on Wednesday. He noted that financial incentives for grain exports from Poland are now critical.
On Wednesday, an agricultural “round table” was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the situation on the market in relation to the amount of Ukrainian grain imported into Poland. The sessions were attended by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Henryk Kowalczyk and representatives of agricultural organizations, export and processing companies.
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Kowalczyk, who was asked on Wednesday evening on Polsat News about the results of this meeting, emphasized that many hours of talks led to agreement on short- and long-term actions to be taken. He added that “as far as the general rules are concerned”, they were accepted by the social side.
Criticism of Kolodziejczak
When asked about the criticism of the leader of Agrounia, Michał Kołodziejczak, Kowalczyk replied that “nothing concrete was said during the discussion of these proposals” of this organization.
He proposed (Kołodziejczak – PAP) things that are impossible – like the total closure of the borders with Ukraine
added the minister.
The deputy prime minister assured that the Polish government would ask the European Commission to impose a safeguard clause due to market distortions caused by Ukrainian grain imports.
The expectation that we ourselves will close the border (the border – PAP) is currently unrealistic
he noticed.
When asked why the Ukrainian grain, which was supposed to move on, stayed in Poland, Kowalczyk pointed out that it was due to the low price.
First of all it was cheaper and that’s the reason. Polish companies bought it because it was cheaper. They bought Ukrainian grain because it was cheap. Therefore, they did not buy from Polish farmers – and this is the main reason. In addition, prices on world markets fell
he answered.
According to Kowalczyk, the main task in the next three months will be to financially stimulate the export of grain, which is in arrears in Poland. This helps, among other things, surcharges and fees. He added that he hopes that the solutions proposed by the government will help empty the warehouses.
When asked about his words last year about the farmers’ refraining from grain sales – now blamed on the minister – he emphasized that it was about the harvest period.
I appealed not to sell grain in panic during the harvest (…) Later, for example in October or November, I did not say such things (…) The appeal during the harvest had its justification
– he said.
Kowalczyk admitted that he should have been more precise and emphasized that it was about the harvest.
Not everyone understood my intentions. For this I am indeed ready to apologize, because intentions must be precisely expressed
– added.
“I’m here to solve problems”
When asked whether he should bear political responsibility for the current situation, the minister said that “if my resignation would change the situation on the grain market, I would be happy to volunteer.”
But right now I’m just solving problems. Resignation would be an escape from the problems of the present
– paid attention.
When asked if he wasn’t planning on resigning himself, he replied: “How am I going to solve this problem at the moment – who knows”.
Kowalczyk also referred to a recent incident at the European Agriculture Forum in Jasionka where his speech was disrupted by a group of people and several eggs were thrown at the minister himself.
The deputy prime minister stressed that such an incident is not pleasant, but he knows that it was not farmers, “just a man hired by the Confederacy, because that should be clearly stated”.
We have pictures, we know who this person is. It has nothing to do with agriculture
he noticed.
gah/PAP
Source: wPolityce