A bilateral agreement between Poland and Ukraine on agricultural goods is being negotiated, Agriculture Minister Czesław Siekierski said. He expressed hope that by the end of March it would be possible to determine the quotas for individual goods that could be sent from Ukraine to Poland.
Today in Wrocław there was a large agricultural protest in the city center. Discussions between government representatives and protest groups continued throughout the day.
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After today’s meeting with farmers’ representatives, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture announced to journalists that the Polish side, in addition to negotiating EU solutions regarding Community-Ukraine relations, will sign a bilateral agreement with Ukraine to establish rules that determine quotas for specific goods and influence the Polish market while preserving market stability.
Negotiations with Kiev
We are negotiating a bilateral agreement with Ukraine to set clear rules for quota quantities on individual goods, aimed at preventing destabilization of Polish markets while maintaining steady supply chains.
– said Siekierski.
When asked about a possible end date for the talks, the minister replied that technical work is in its final stages and that the quota size should be decided by the end of March.
There is a recognition that an excessive influx of goods could disrupt some sectors. There are emergency brakes under consideration to allow Ukraine to export without overwhelming Polish markets.
– added.
Siekierski also noted that discussions are taking place at the European level regarding Ukraine’s import of agricultural goods.
Trade liberalization is not advancing as quickly as the EU proposed. The EU has shown some concessions. The document will continue to be the subject of work by the European Parliament and the Council of Agriculture Ministers, he said.
Green Deal and manufacturing profitability
During the meeting with farmers, the EU Green Deal was a key topic. Siekierski acknowledged that farmers have differing views on these solutions.
They say: close the Green Deal. We say: adjust the Green Deal so it meets the needs and opportunities of farmers
– he pointed out.
The minister stressed that he agrees with many farmer concerns, but closing the Green Deal is not an option.
The third issue raised during the discussions was the profitability of agricultural production. Siekierski announced that subsidies for farmers would start in March, including subsidies for corn, drought relief, and agricultural fuel subsidies. He added that talks on potential support for grain producers and fertilizer subsidies should also be finalized. He noted that the situation is uncertain regarding fertilizer prices, which have fallen in recent months.
One of the farmers’ demands is to restore last year’s agricultural fuel subsidy levels. The head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said discussions on this topic were ongoing with the Ministry of Finance.
Farmers’ demands
During the meeting, farmer representatives primarily demanded closing the border with Ukraine and withdrawing from the EU Green Deal. They warned that if their demands were not met, protests would intensify. They also called for the presence of Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the meeting.
Siekierski and the ministry’s leadership urged farmers to channel their demands through official channels. Stefan Krajewski, deputy head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that borders will likely remain open but should be tightened and closely managed. He urged farmers conducting unauthorized inspections of shipments to contact the appropriate authorities and to protest sensibly without escalating tensions. Regarding the Green Deal, Krajewski stressed that it cannot be discarded, but illogical measures must be eliminated.
The minister also asked farmers to compile their demands and submit them to the ministry so they can be presented to the Prime Minister at the upcoming government meeting next week.
Last week farmers across Poland protested against the Green Deal and the influx of goods from Ukraine, arguing that agricultural production has become unprofitable. A national protest was planned for February 20, and similar demonstrations occurred in other EU member states.
Reception of the ruling coalition
Politicians from the governing coalition commented on the agricultural protests and demands.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Michał Kołodziejczak emphasized that Prime Minister Tusk treats the issue as a priority.
The Prime Minister gave the green light to defend Poland’s interests vigorously. He noted that this is a priority for the government.
We are doing our part, with a concrete plan to protect borders and improve agricultural conditions. The previous administration left a difficult situation, but it will be addressed in time.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, PSL MP Mirosław Maliszewski, highlighted that protecting the EU market from the consequences of Ukrainian imports is the most important objective.
Farmers demanded compensation for losses, such as those related to corn. More importantly, they called for strategic measures to shield the EU market from Ukrainian imports, rather than relying on ad hoc compensation as the effects appear.
The PSL MP observed a shift in Brussels’ previously uncompromising trade stance with Ukraine and suggested that many other ministers of agriculture now share concerns about limiting imports from Ukraine.
Everyone knows that farmers’ protests and European Parliament elections could create a volatile mix, Maliszewski noted.
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pn/PAP/Interia.pl
Source: wPolityce