Poland’s Agriculture Minister Robert Telus indicated that a public list of companies that have imported Ukrainian grain into Poland would be released soon. He noted that it would take only a few days and a touch more regulation before the government makes the list public, adding that farmers are pressing authorities to disclose these names.
During a press briefing, Telus reiterated the intention to publish the list as soon as possible, saying that farmers demand transparency and that the publication would occur in the near future.
He explained that the delay was due to outstanding legal opinions and the need to finalize regulatory steps to publish the information.
Earlier, the wPolityce.pl portal reported that it had obtained the roster of firms that had imported grains and corn from Ukraine. The list allegedly includes a prominent agricultural market player, the BZK holding, which encompasses Polish mills. The portal suggested that politicians from the Polish People’s Party would be connected to the BZK holding.
Polskie Młyny, led by Waldemar Pawlak, issued a statement asserting that the company does not import Ukrainian wheat and instead relies on wheat produced by Polish farmers.
PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, when asked about claims that PSL-linked companies profited from Ukrainian grain, pointed to Polskie Młyny’s statement.
The PSL leader urged an immediate apology from PiS spokesman Rafał Bochenek for what he described as slander, warning that a lawsuit would be filed if the issue persisted.
Bochenek countered that Kosiniak-Kamysz claimed Polskie Młyny did not import Ukrainian grain, while other companies within the same BZK holding did.
The spokesman noted that Polskie Młyny did not receive wheat, but rather maize. He also questioned whether Polskie Młyny used raw materials sourced from Ukrainian grain.
Bochenek added that the question of any links between PSL, Szymon Hołownia’s party, Civic Platform, and Ukrainian grain imports was still open.
PiS’s spokesman criticized opposition politicians for creating a fuss about the agricultural market and accused them of acting as false ambassadors for the Polish countryside.
However, the report traced several cases of companies tied to PSL politicians and other parties that had imported Ukrainian grain, underscoring a broader debate about market transparency.
Telus’s initiative well received
Frontline countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary planned to send a joint letter to Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski regarding Ukrainian grain. Telus shared that he had hosted a meeting with five frontline ministers and indicated Poland would join as the sixth country in the discussion. He stressed that the problems faced by these nations were closely aligned and warranted coordinated action.
Telus described the gathering as a productive step toward a united approach, noting that the group would draft a letter for both trade and agriculture commissioners. He emphasized the goal of presenting a collective stance to push for fairer tariffs and border measures.
He added that the group hoped to meet the Trade Commissioner and present their concerns directly, with a view to shaping policy at the upcoming AGRIFISH meeting in April. The intention was to present a cohesive frontier-country position, believing that a united front would carry more weight than separate voices.
Telus also suggested that changes benefiting frontline countries, which have borne the greatest costs in supporting Ukraine, should be considered.
American silos
Telus stated there was no information confirming the construction of grain silos by the United States on the Polish-Ukrainian border; nonetheless, he described the idea as worth pursuing. He also recalled President Joe Biden’s June announcement about the possible construction of temporary silos along border areas, including Poland, to help stabilize food prices amid ongoing tensions and the blockade of Ukrainian ports. He cautioned that any such solution would take time to implement.
Telus noted that the decision to pursue silos would depend on the American side, and he hinted at the possibility of revisiting discussions with the U.S. administration if needed. He also recalled that a prior outreach by the Polish government had not yielded a response.
The minister highlighted that the silos project would require coordination and timing with Washington, and he stressed that the commission of such infrastructure would be determined by the U.S. government.
The picture from June of last year remains a reference point for policymakers: Biden spoke of temporary silos as part of a broader strategy to resist food-price spikes caused by supply disruptions and the conflict, with the realization that it would not be an overnight fix given the scale of grain exports from Ukraine.
Additional notes and updates continue to circulate in relation to Ukrainian grain exports and the evolving stance of Poland and its partners.
— Minister Telus reveals the details: I have a verbal agreement on grain with Ukraine and I would like it to be signed
— The grain export agreement will be signed on Monday. Telus: I will be urging us to request a review of draft rates
— WE REVEAL. A tycoon tied to PSL circles imported grain from Ukraine
Mon/PAP