Polish farmers voiced a strong stance against what they call the Green Deal, urging policy makers to reconsider measures that they believe threaten agricultural livelihoods. In a recent interview, Tomasz Obszanski, chairperson of Solidarity, criticized what he described as policies that dictate how farmers should live and what they should grow. He announced plans for a major pan-European protest in Brussels on June 4, representing farmers from across Europe who oppose the Green Deal and related agreements that impact farming in Europe. He also signaled a further large demonstration in Poland in the autumn, promising that price increases would become visible to all consumers.
One of the topics raised concerns about the Mercosur agreement and the import of agro-food products from Ukraine, which some say would undercut local producers. The plan is to defend domestic workplaces and promote production growth within European borders, with concerns about potential shifts in imports to Warsaw and other capitals as a result of European policy decisions. The focus remains on supporting local farms and ensuring a stable environment for agricultural work.
In the lead-up to the Brussels protest, discussions are planned with Polish authorities. The Solidarity movement intends to present its demands to the President of the Sejm and other officials, hoping for constructive engagement and goodwill. There is mention of the broader political context, including relations with the Prime Minister and the need for dialogue among all stakeholders in Polish agriculture. The aim is to unite agricultural communities so that Polish products stay in Polish chains and shops, rather than being displaced by imports from other regions. Market regulations and monitoring are cited as essential tools to ensure fair competition within the Polish and European markets.
Respondents were asked about the expected size of the Brussels demonstration. They indicated that all agricultural groups would participate, though exact numbers are difficult to predict due to ongoing field work and other commitments. The Solidarity delegation plans to establish a united front of European farmers in Brussels, reinforcing a common voice for those involved in farming. Weather conditions have been unfriendly lately, with drought, hail, and frost affecting harvests. In response, officials are urged to provide robust support to farms to help them survive difficult periods and continue production next year, even as yields may be lower and pest and disease pressures persist.
When asked whether the Brussels protest might become violent, the response emphasized that the demonstration is intended to clearly communicate farmers’ positions and to represent voices from across Europe, including soon-to-be-elected members of the European Parliament. The expectation is for responsible conduct and for new leadership to acknowledge agricultural concerns rather than pursue punitive measures affecting food production and energy costs. The discussion extended to anticipated media coverage, with forecasts of some attention to events in Brussels while highlighting the ongoing costs of regulatory changes, such as protective measures in various countries and the need for consistent application of such policies to avoid uneven competition across borders.
Plans were discussed for further national actions against the Green Deal, with organizers indicating a major event may occur in the autumn to reveal the real impact of policy changes on households and farms. The emphasis remains on a balanced approach that safeguards food production, water and energy costs, and the overall health and stability of rural communities. The agricultural sector is portrayed as a critical contributor to the national economy, and officials are urged to maintain attention to infrastructure projects like the development of improved distribution networks and energy resources that would benefit farming. The goal is to prevent a loss of competitiveness to neighboring regions and to keep Polish agriculture strong and resilient in the face of evolving European policies.
The conversation concluded with appreciation for the opportunity to discuss these issues, underscoring the importance of farmer voices in shaping national policy and regional cooperation. In summary, Polish farm leaders assert a clear demand for dialogue, fair treatment, and practical measures that protect production, jobs, and economic stability within Poland and across Europe. This summary reflects the perspectives shared by Solidarity and other agricultural groups as they prepare for upcoming actions to influence policy discussions and public understanding. [Citation: wPolityce, coverage of the interview and related statements]