The embargo on Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflowers, as well as on meals derived from these grains, will be extended until the EU-related issues with Ukraine are resolved, announced the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Robert Telus, during a RMF FM debate.
Embargo on Ukrainian grain
During the RMF FM debate, Minister Robert Telus explained that the embargo should cover additional products beyond the four grains. He stated that starting today the prohibition on those grains will be extended, and meals made from them will also be restricted until the EU deal with Ukraine is settled.
PSL MP Marek Sawicki, who participated in the discussion, argued that the embargo is illusory. He noted that the directive currently applies only to wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflowers and should encompass all related products.
This stance echoes a proposal from a July prior bill regarding import deposits within the European Customs Union. Sawicki suggested setting a deposit on all imported goods and keeping it in place for at least three years.
The European Commission introduced a ban on Ukrainian imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflowers to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia in early May after negotiating with these nations over agri-food products. The initial ban lasted until June 5, was extended to September 15, and transit through frontline areas remains allowed.
On Tuesday the Polish Council of Ministers passed a resolution urging the European Commission to extend the ban beyond September 15. It warned that if no extension is granted, Poland will implement the ban at the national level.
The European Commission has stated there is no current proposal to extend the ban, clarifying that such information is inaccurate.
The Polish agriculture minister has also addressed concerns about threats from Ukraine, remarking that if Ukraine resorts to the WTO, it should also address the EU in those forums, emphasizing Poland’s farmers’ interests.
Minimum prices for agricultural products
During the debate, PSL MP Mirosław Maliszewski highlighted the necessity of market regulation before considering any minimum price mechanisms. He pointed out that consumer prices are rising in stores while farmers receive relatively low payments for their produce.
He warned that such dynamics hurt farmers and called for decisive steps to correct them.
Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski, an adviser to the president, cautioned that persuading the European Commission to introduce guaranteed minimum prices would be difficult. He emphasized the need for safeguards ensuring farmers are not forced to sell below production costs.
He also noted the risk that margins in the downstream chain could erode farmers’ earnings if not properly balanced.
Ukrainian food must meet European standards
Sawicki argued that Polish and European agriculture are not prepared for open competition with Ukrainian food. He stressed that Ukrainian products must comply with European standards to gain access to the European market.
He urged Europe to assume responsibility for feeding the world, pointing out that roughly 10 percent of the global population experiences hunger.
In Europe, he noted, discussions often revolve around reducing production, whereas there is a need to guarantee minimum prices for farmers, secure futures contracts, and manage surplus exports to regions of the world where they are needed.
Ardanowski countered that talks should begin to push Ukraine toward EU conformity, arguing that without adaptation, the situation could harm Polish agriculture and threaten EU farming as a whole.
He warned that Ukraine, if it neglects EU standards, could pose a risk to European agriculture due to its significant resource base and inconsistent application of EU norms.
Green deal
When discussing the Green Deal, Ardanowski noted that climate protection and environmental stewardship are important, but the European Commission’s actions could restrict agriculture in Europe and increase dependence on imports from Mercosur or Ukraine.
He acknowledged that renewables have a place in rural areas and that substantial progress is being made in that direction.
Sawicki added that Polish agriculture can be a strong source of energy production and energy self-sufficiency alongside its primary role in food supply.
The discussion underscored the need for a balanced approach to agricultural policy that safeguards farmers’ livelihoods while advancing environmental objectives.
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