The Local Shelf program is designed to reduce costs for consumers, a point emphasized by Agriculture Minister Robert Telus during the first broadcast on Polish Radio. He noted that the government is preparing a law to regulate how supermarkets purchase Polish products.
Speaking on Polish Radio Channel One, Telus, who leads the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, linked the Local Shelf initiative to growing consumer interest in wholesome, locally sourced food. He described good, healthy food as Polish, noting that Polish products come from nearby farmers and communities.
According to him, this is another strategy to lower prices for shoppers. He observed that Poland lacks extensive domestic processing of agricultural raw materials, but local shelf products would encourage local processing and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
Telus explained that farmers could sell their goods directly, bypassing middlemen. Products would come from within a 100-kilometer radius, contrasting with the European average of about 170 kilometers for food products, he noted.
He mentioned that the government has a bill to permit supermarkets to buy directly from producers. This measure, he argued, benefits supermarkets too. Telus recalled discussions with retail chains and said they showed interest, as shorter supply chains tend to attract more customers to local stores. He framed it as advantageous for everyone and especially beneficial for Polish rural areas.
The minister highlighted that Poland still hosts many remnants of smaller cooperative networks and local shops. He pledged to revitalize these communities and support their development, stressing that small stores are a crucial part of the national economy. He even reflected on his own experience running a shop named Teli, suggesting the Local Shelf program could help communities reconnect with such shops.
Our smaller processing sector can grow
Telus argued that large Polish firms often set price levels, while the Local Shelf strategy aims to boost local processing and elevate Polish producers. He suggested that domestic processing capabilities, which were stressed during Poland’s EU transition, need to be rebuilt as local players gain prominence rather than relying solely on big companies.
He noted that more than 3 billion PLN has been allocated to expand processing capacity, with applications contributing an additional 6 billion PLN. This funding is intended to help local farmers replicate successful processing models and strengthen regional supply chains.
During a Wednesday announcement on Twitter, PiS introduced the Local Shelf program as a policy requiring supermarkets to offer at least two-thirds of vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, and bread from local suppliers. Telus argued that this framework would reinforce the position of local producers within the broader food supply chain and improve consumer access to locally produced goods.
An adviser to the president and former agriculture minister, Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski, spoke in a social media video about the broad impact, emphasizing that most Poles appreciate tasty, healthy Polish food. He described the Local Shelf as a measure that obliges retail chains to work with local food producers, ensuring wider access to homegrown products for everyone.
The discussion around the Local Shelf continues to unfold as national leaders explain its potential to integrate more local farming and processing into everyday shopping, offering healthier options and supporting rural livelihoods. The initiative is framed as a practical step toward stronger local food systems and greater affordability for consumers. (Source: wPolityce)