The Polish agricultural sector stands at a pivotal moment, with a clear emphasis on rebuilding breeding programs and expanding processing capacity. This was the core message delivered by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Robert Telus during a convention in Warsaw aligned with the PiS program track.
We must prepare for crises with solid programs
The government advocates ongoing modernization of Polish farming and the execution of strategic programs that drive growth across the entire sector. In Warsaw, Minister Telus framed the PiS agenda as a shield against economic shocks stemming from the Ukraine situation, describing the period as an economic war that requires resilient policy mechanisms.
New measures are being designed to handle various crises, with a concrete plan to protect Polish farmers from losses in cross-border transport while ensuring they benefit from such activity. Telus asserted that these policies should be developed in cooperation with the European Union, enabling farmers and Polish businesses to gain from improved logistics and price realization.
He stressed the need for a robust framework that preserves earnings and supports local producers as the nation navigates ongoing challenges.
The convention included a note to consider how the agricultural sector can withstand shocks and continue to contribute to the national economy.
If agriculture had been stronger, grain problems would be smaller
Among the priorities, Telus highlighted the rebuilding of Polish breeding programs. He recalled the ASF epidemic that disrupted breeding efforts and argued that stronger breeding would help balance grain output and reduce sensitivity to market swings. He also indicated that animal welfare would be integral to this reconstruction of breeding strategies.
Telus pointed to profitability concerns within farming, noting that Poland lost a key asset when processing capacity declined after the transformation era. He emphasized the need to revive value chains, asserting that Polish processing must be reenergized and that farm prices are often set by buyers rather than by farmers themselves, signaling a shift in bargaining power that should be corrected.
In his view, the Polish farmer should play a decisive role in price formation, not be at the mercy of buyers who set terms after harvest. He called for structural changes to empower local processing and ensure fair compensation for producers.
In rural areas, stability is essential for all—harvester and rooster alike
Telus framed agriculture as a rural priority and welcomed visitors from urban centers, while stressing that rural life must remain undisturbed by city pressures. He used the harvester and the rooster as symbols of harmony in the countryside, where farming remains a central and respected livelihood.
The minister reaffirmed a long-term commitment to growing agriculture as a cornerstone of the economy and a source of community resilience.
Polish agriculture is a vital sector, and its success is a government priority, Telus stated.
The ministry is advancing a Spanish-law model
The Ministry of Agriculture is pursuing what is described as a Spanish-law approach to ensure farmers do not sell crops below production costs. Deputy Minister Anna Gembicka is actively advancing this initiative. Telus noted discussions with Spanish authorities and expressed the intention to bring a similar framework to Poland to safeguard profitability for producers.
At the PiS convention in Warsaw, he referenced regulations introduced in December 2021 affecting fruit, vegetable trade, and the producer–distributor relationship. The aim is to strengthen producers’ bargaining positions and raise income through fairer price formation.
Telus underscored the importance of continuing breeding programs, noting that Poland maintains a well-functioning livestock and poultry sector. He called for modernization of pig-breeding and fattening programs and the development of fruit and vegetable programs as key growth areas.
He also highlighted advisory centers now coordinated by government authorities, their role in bridging science, guidance, and farming practice, and the goal of translating university and institute knowledge into practical guidance for farmers.
Attention was drawn to the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund and the broader policy discussion around KRUS. Telus stated that KRUS would continue to operate under the current system as long as the government remains in power.
He concluded by revisiting the processing challenge, noting that Poland still lacks robust, domestically controlled processing capacity and that price-setting tends to favor buyers over farmers. The objective is to restore a balanced value chain for Polish agriculture.
Source: wPolityce (attribution)