Polish authorities advocate stopping Ukrainian grain inflow and maximizing Poland’s outward exports, a stance voiced by Robert Telus, the minister of agriculture and rural development, during a broadcast on Polish Radio. He suggested that Poland could help spread Ukrainian grain across Europe as a distribution strategy.
During the same program, Telus emphasized that the grain influx from Ukraine poses not only a national challenge but a burden for frontline states, naming Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and the Czech Republic as particularly affected. Agricultural unions from these nations have voiced protests against the Ukrainian grain imports.
The minister stated that a decisive shift is needed: curbing the Ukrainian grain inflow while expanding Poland’s outbound shipments. The European Union’s response was described as slow, leading him to say that relying on EU assistance would be unwise, and that markets must be found abroad for the grain produced in Poland.
Telus indicated that potential strategies and ideas are being considered and that the objective is clear: to implement effective measures and achieve practical results. He asserted that the EU’s pace requires proactive national effort to redirect grain to other markets and ensure Poland remains a reliable supplier to European consumers.
He also noted that a crisis staff meeting would be convened under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin, on behalf of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. The group would include ministers who could contribute to the discussion, such as those responsible for infrastructure, foreign affairs, and state property, along with representatives from health ministries. The aim was to coordinate a comprehensive approach to the grain situation.
Cereal Regulations
Asked whether EU-level rules could be introduced to restrict Ukrainian grain entering EU markets, Telus replied that rather than blocking, the focus should be on regulation. He proposed engaging agriculture ministers from five countries, including Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic, to discuss and advocate for coordinated measures.
The core idea is to regulate and distribute the grain across Europe so that it would not remain concentrated in a handful of countries but would be spread more evenly across the continent.
On concerns about poultry and eggs from Ukraine affecting the Polish market, Telus pledged careful monitoring to slow any influx. He stressed that protecting public health and safety for Polish citizens is the primary objective, while also supporting farmers who face wartime pressures.
Telus stressed his commitment to the agricultural sector and to standing with Polish farmers during these challenging times. He said his efforts would be directed toward helping Polish peasants endure the current crisis and to safeguard national food security amid uncertainty in wartime conditions.
Agreements with Ukraine
The minister announced plans to meet with farmers’ representatives near the eastern border in a town between Lublin and the frontier to discuss practical steps. The prior meeting with Ukraine’s agricultural minister, Mykola Solski, had produced an agreement that no grain would flow into Poland for the harvest unless destined for export, with strict controls to prevent grain from remaining in Poland. Ukraine indicated that violations would lead to penalties and that transit would be monitored by both sides. Ukrainian officials also stated that companies found to be cheating could lose export licenses.
Polish officials estimated that if Poland could export about 3-4 million tons before the harvest, a similar target might be feasible afterward, provided the necessary export routes and logistics were prepared. It was noted that food security remains essential, as wartime conditions can bring unpredictable disruptions to supply and demand. This line of thinking echoed concerns raised by agricultural groups and economists about potential grain shortages in the near term.
During the same week, Telus noted a meeting with Ukraine’s Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food, held in Dorohusk, where the Ukrainian side proposed tightening grain arrivals into Poland for a period and even stopping them temporarily. He emphasized that grain transit from Ukraine through Poland would be closely observed by both parties to prevent accumulation within Poland’s borders.
In related developments, the national reserves agency announced a purchase program prioritizing consumer wheat from Polish producers, with bids open through a set deadline. The broader situation remained a topic of intense discussion among policymakers, farmers, and market observers, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance humanitarian needs, food security, and market stability across the region.
Reports and briefings from these events indicated that Polish leadership was actively shaping the crisis response and emphasized a shared goal: pragmatic management of grain flows to protect Polish agriculture while contributing to European food security. This ongoing dialogue involves multiple ministries, international partners, and the agricultural community, underscoring the complex dynamics of cross-border grain trade in the current environment.
Source materials from national outlets and policy briefings were cited to illustrate the evolving positions and proposed actions, including official statements and parliamentary commentary. The situation remained fluid, with authorities stressing the importance of careful monitoring, fair regulation, and coordinated, pan-European distribution strategies as key elements of the resolution approach.