Poland faces concerns over Ukraine’s possible EU membership and its impact on Polish farmers. A deputy minister of agriculture argued that safeguarding national interests is essential as Ukraine’s integration with the bloc unfolds, noting that agricultural goods from Ukraine might influence Poland for decades after accession. He also stressed that Poland cannot halt such processes alone and that a veto would be ineffective, urging readiness for the long road ahead as the EU and Poland navigate the accession in coming years.
According to the deputy minister, Ukraine joining the EU could have considerable negative effects on Polish farmers and entrepreneurs. He described Ukraine’s agricultural sector as dominated by around 95 large holding companies that own substantial land, with one farm rivaling the size of several Polish provinces. This concentration, he argued, necessitates proactive protection of Polish interests.
The comparison was drawn to Germany’s experience when Poland joined the EU, at which time the Polish labor market faced restrictions for years. The deputy minister suggested that agricultural products from Ukraine, whether raw or processed, might reach Poland only after a long transition, potentially spanning two decades from Ukraine’s accession.
He asserted that his role includes convincing EU institutions that Ukrainian farming could disrupt food security across member states. He warned against opening doors that might undermine local farms and emphasized a policy direction aimed at conserving domestic agricultural value as much as possible.
One policy proposal mentioned involves a law limiting purchases by companies when Ukrainian prices undercut production costs, an approach intended to defend Polish farming margins.
The deputy minister expressed confidence that the prime minister is attentive to these issues, describing him as a listener who understands the stakes involved.
“The country should be in Polish hands”
In addressing land ownership, the deputy minister reiterated the view that the country’s agricultural system should be rooted in Polish ownership, highlighting that Polish constitutional principles favor family farms, typically under 300 hectares, though noting their shrinking presence today. He underscored the importance of maintaining national control over agricultural land and operations.
Additionally, the deputy minister announced plans to meet with leaders from major Polish supermarket chains to examine how supply chains operate. He questioned why direct purchases from Polish farmers are not more common and why consumer prices at the store shelf are often higher than manufacturer prices, signaling a desire to improve efficiency and price transparency within the food supply chain.
These remarks come amid broader discussions about how to balance openness with protective measures in the EU’s common market, alongside concerns about food security and the equitable treatment of domestic producers. The statements were reported by RMF FM and cited in coverage by wPolityce, reflecting ongoing public interest in the issue.