I’m here to solve problems, not to escape them
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Henryk Kowalczyk spoke candidly on Wednesday about the current crisis in the grain market. He indicated that the time has come for targeted financial incentives to support exports from Poland, emphasizing their critical role in stabilizing the sector.
Around the same day, a round table at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development addressed how Polish markets are affected by Ukrainian grain imports. The meeting gathered the deputy prime minister along with leaders from agricultural unions, exporters, and processing firms to discuss practical responses.
Earlier, coverage noted that the discussions produced agreement on short and long term actions, with general rules accepted by workers and industry representatives alike. Kowalczyk highlighted that the discussions were lengthy but productive, pointing to a shared understanding of immediate steps and future reforms.
Criticism of Kolodziejczak
When asked about criticism directed at Michał Kołodziejczak, the leader of Agrounia, Kowalczyk said that no concrete proposals from that organization emerged during the session. He noted that some ideas proposed by Kołodziejczak were unrealistic, such as a total border closure with Ukraine, according to the minister.
The minister reiterated that the government would urge the European Commission to apply a safeguard clause, aiming to counter distortions in the market caused by Ukrainian imports. He warned against assuming that Poland could simply close its borders, calling such expectations unrealistic.
Regarding the question of why Ukrainian grain remained in Poland instead of moving onward, Kowalczyk explained that price dynamics drove the outcome. Lower prices attracted Polish buyers, who found Ukrainian grain cheaper than local options, which reduced purchases from Polish farmers and contributed to the surplus. Global price declines were also a factor.
Looking ahead, Kowalczyk identified the next three months as crucial for providing financial support to exports that lag behind. He mentioned surcharges and fees as tools to stimulate movement and expressed hope that government measures would help reduce warehouse stocks.
Reflecting on a previous year’s remark about farmers delaying grain sales, Kowalczyk clarified that the comment referred to the harvest period. He acknowledged that his wording could have been clearer and apologized for any misinterpretation, stressing that his intent was tied to the harvest window rather than a general directive.
“I’m here to solve problems”
Asked about political accountability for the current market situation, Kowalczyk said that if his resignation could improve the grain market, he would consider stepping aside. He stressed that his priority is to address the issues, not to withdraw from them. A resignation would not solve the immediate problems at hand, he stated.
When pressed about his personal plans, he answered that the path to a solution is uncertain and dependent on evolving circumstances. He also referenced a recent incident at the European Agriculture Forum in Jasionka where his speech was disrupted by a group of protesters who threw eggs. He described the disruption as unpleasant but clarified that it did not involve farmers, suggesting it involved a person affiliated with a political group rather than the agricultural community itself.
The deputy prime minister underscored the distinction between political actors and those who are directly connected to farming, noting that the broader agricultural sector was not responsible for the incident.
In sum, the episode did not alter the essential focus on stabilizing the grain market and implementing the measures discussed at the round table.
Note: This summary reflects the described events and public statements during the period in question.