Poland pressed the European Commission to back farmers with additional funds to offset losses tied to transporting Ukrainian agri-food goods through Polish territory. Polish Deputy Agriculture Minister Ryszard Bartosik conveyed this message to reporters in Brussels on Monday, outlining concerns about solidarity corridors and the impact on Poland’s grain market.
He explained that the request centers on supplementary resources from the union that would compensate farmers for damages incurred by the transit of Ukrainian products. He noted that a decision on this matter was anticipated in the coming days. Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski had informed him that a regulation addressing the issue was prepared and that funds from a designated reserve would be released to Poland, enabling prompt support to farmers.
— as Bartosik reported following a meeting of EU agriculture ministers.
The total EU aid under consideration stands at 30 million euros, with the possibility of an equal amount being provided from national resources to supplement the fund.
While expressing a clear intent to assist Ukraine, Bartosik stressed that Poland must also safeguard its own farmers. He described these measures as a step toward protecting Poland’s agricultural market and indicated that, once the European Commission’s final decision is made, aid would be launched for Polish farmers, particularly wheat and corn producers.
— the deputy minister stated.
He drew attention to the tense situation in the grain market. In the early days of the conflict, fears about a grain shortage led to price increases. Today, grain trades on stock exchanges and markets have contributed to price fluctuations. A portion of the grain remains within the eastern Polish market, rather than moving onward, which further justifies compensation for local farmers, Bartosik noted.
He added that ongoing quality monitoring of the grain continues in consultation with Ukraine’s Ministry of Agriculture. A recent decision, aimed at preventing tampering during transit, requires Ukrainian grain shipments to be sealed and delivered directly to the recipient to avoid any diversion while in transit through Poland.
During a separate discussion with other EU agriculture ministers, Bartosik proposed introducing a deposit system for transporting Ukrainian grain. He acknowledged that this would require authorization from the European Commission and described it as a proposal currently under consideration. Ukraine, described as a major producer, is viewed primarily as a transit country for agri-food products rather than a destination market in this framework.
— Bartosik concluded.
“Worms can’t compete with Polish pork chops”
In remarks delivered in Brussels, Bartosik asserted that Polish food ranks among the best globally. He admitted that while some might choose to try edible worms, no one should be compelled to do so. The emphasis remained on letting consumers decide what they wish to eat and ensuring that Polish meat, dairy, and other agricultural products remain a trusted choice for households worldwide.
“Worms cannot compete with Polish chops,” he insisted, reiterating his belief in the superiority of Polish foods and encouraging people to enjoy them with confidence. He urged audiences to opt for Polish meat, milk, and other agricultural products as demonstrations of national pride and quality.
The discussion touched on ongoing debates about edible alternatives and the broader role of Poland in European agricultural markets. The remarks underscored a national stance that prioritizes domestic farmers while engaging constructively with European partners on shared supply chain challenges.
Further commentary referenced related coverage: government programs supporting edible worm research and other agriculture initiatives in Poland.
— referenced in coverage of EU agriculture minister discussions.
Source: wPolityce