Poland’s agriculture leadership signaled a shift away from strict European Green Deal limits on farming, arguing in the Sejm that the EU framework must adapt to national needs. The ministry’s policy priority remains shaping trade with Ukraine, aiming to safeguard Polish producers while engaging in ongoing dialogue with Kyiv.
In presenting the government’s response to the farmers’ protests, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted 2023 trade figures with Ukraine. Poland posted a sizable overall trade surplus of 6.9 billion euros, yet the agricultural sector ran a deficit of about 650 million euros, underscoring the uneven impact on farming interests.
The article also noted a sharp wakeup call about farmers’ concerns and public rhetoric around the protests, including commentary about representatives who advocate fiercely for farm livelihoods.
Siekierski stressed that bilateral talks with Ukraine focus on replacing the current grain embargo with a broader, more protective framework for Polish markets. The plan includes limiting imports of sensitive goods like eggs, frozen raspberries, and certain oils, while preparing trade proposals to be discussed in Brussels the following week.
He reiterated that protests against Green Deal policies are justified, reflecting a shared call to reassess how environmental rules affect farm viability and rural communities.
The minister argued that EU Green Deal rules have been stretched beyond their original intent, suggesting a recalibration to better support agricultural production in Poland.
During the remarks, the ministry’s leader confirmed that there are no limits on the number of animals in Poland; instead, animal production is designated a priority. Farmers are set to receive subsidies as part of the Common Agricultural Policy, including new measures under animal welfare programs.
Earlier this year, the government signaled that direct payments would begin, along with additional funds for corn producers, disaster relief, agricultural fuel subsidies, fertilizer support, and insurance loans.
Across Poland, farmers have staged protests that include road and border blockades, resisting Ukrainian goods and broadly opposing Green Deal policies as they contend with market and policy pressures.
The European Green Deal aims to steer the EU toward ecological transformation and climate neutrality by 2050, touching sectors like climate, environment, energy, transport, industry, and agriculture, with sustainable finance underpinning broader reforms.
Agreement with Ukraine
In discussing an agreement with Ukraine, the reference period for Ukrainian imports cannot be limited to 2022/2023; the ministry has proposed starting from 2021 to set import quotas and licenses as appropriate. These terms were outlined during a Sejm briefing, with emphasis on establishing a clear reference framework.
The ministry acknowledged that Ukrainian imports remain substantial, though a notable slowdown has occurred recently. Plans include tightened controls that will tighten queues at border points, a move described as necessary to manage flows and protect domestic markets, even if it means short-term disruption.
Technical talks with Kyiv continue, with a view to securing licenses and quotas for specific import volumes. The government is seeking an agreed reference period, with a preference for 2021 rather than 2022/2023, and this approach may be extended if needed.
Officials also called for EU support to facilitate the transport of Ukrainian goods and to help move surplus European grain to warehouses as harvests approach, ensuring that storage capacity does not become a bottleneck. The ministry cautioned that while the Green Deal cannot be discarded entirely, reforms should reflect real farming conditions, including the impact of environmental measures on field practices.
There is a belief that European-level negotiations can yield a balanced outcome, reconciling environmental aims with the realities faced by Polish farmers. During the latest parliamentary sessions, lawmakers across parties voiced support for farmers’ protests and urged cautious management of Ukrainian imports to protect the domestic market.
Note: This article cites official statements and parliamentary briefings to reflect the evolving policy conversation surrounding agriculture, trade with Ukraine, and EU environmental regulation.