The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development believes the port in Świnoujście could become a key gateway for Polish grain exports. In Szczecin, the minister, Robert Telus, highlighted the presence of large warehouses in the port area that are not fully utilized. He noted that Poland has already exported about 4 million tons of grain, and the facilities in Świnoujście could help increase these figures as demand grows. The minister spoke on Thursday during discussions in Szczecin about improving export capacity and logistics for agricultural products.
Acknowledging Protests while Focusing on Solutions
During remarks before a series of farmer meetings, Telus emphasized his understanding of the protesters and underscored a commitment to solving the underlying problems in the agricultural sector. He stressed that the priority is not simply to quiet demonstrations but to address the issues that affect farmers directly.
“I understand the concerns of the protesters,” he stated, underscoring his readiness to work with those affected by ongoing challenges in farming. He reiterated that the aim is to resolve issues rather than dismiss them, framing the approach as a practical path to stability for agriculture.
Port Development and Coordination with Authorities
Asked whether the protests at the eastern border were provoking irritation, Telus answered firmly that he would not let farmer concerns derail his work. He described farming communities as a priority and affirmed his intent to tackle their problems through joint action with other government branches.
Regarding Świnoujście, Telus stated optimism that the port’s potential would be leveraged effectively. He pointed to the existing large warehouses and noted that some capacity has yet to be fully utilized. A recent meeting with Infrastructure Minister Andrzej Adamczyk on this topic was mentioned, illustrating ongoing coordination across ministries. Telus promised that information gathered from all ports would be used to identify reserves and maximize utilization when needed.
In discussing freight options for port transhipment, the minister recalled a historic achievement: the successful handling of 17 million tons of coal in a challenging autumn. He contrasted that with the current goal to export around 4 million tons of grain, highlighting how this target compares with earlier logistical feats and the scale of present opportunities for agricultural exports.
Farmers’ Protest at Hrubieszów Crossing
Farmers launched a road protest at the railway crossing in Hrubieszów, Lubelskie, near the Ukrainian border. The protest focused on import duties affecting grain from Ukraine. Following talks with Ukraine’s Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food, Mykola Solski, Robert Telus, who has taken the helm as the new Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced a bilateral stance. The Ukrainian side reportedly proposed tight restrictions on grain shipments to Poland for a period of time, even suggesting a temporary halt. Telus noted that grain transit through Poland would be closely monitored by authorities on both sides to ensure grain does not remain unsold in Poland.
Later, the State Agency for Strategic Reserves announced a shift in procurement policy, prioritizing consumer wheat sourced from Polish producers with a bidding window closing on April 14. In another move, Telus instructed the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate to carry out rigorous inspections of grain arriving in Poland to safeguard quality. He also signaled plans to convene meetings with ambassadors from countries that receive Polish grain shipments to discuss supply and safety standards.
Additional coverage of related developments includes investigative reports on grain trade and political responses from the Polish government, illustrating the complex interplay between export policy, domestic production, and regional security concerns. These actions reflect a broader effort to stabilize agricultural markets while maintaining robust export channels and safeguarding food quality in Poland.
Source reporting notes the tone and direction of these discussions, including commentary on how political figures frame farmer concerns and the government’s approach to balancing farm profitability with border and trade dynamics.
aja/PAP
Source: wPolityce