A nationwide farmers’ protest began at noon, with blockades organized in more than 170 locations. The event is led by NSZZ Solidarność Rolników Indywidualnych, and the list of demands centers on boosting the profitability of agricultural production.
From early morning, farmers arrived in designated zones with tractors and heavy farming equipment. In total, more than 170 sites were set to be blocked.
The largest blockades in northeastern Poland
Map of agricultural protests / author: Google
The demonstrators voice two primary demands. First, they call for stopping the uncontrolled import of agricultural products from Ukraine and other non-EU countries. Second, they want a new strategy for EU agriculture and a revision of the common agricultural policy.
Specific objectives include:
1. Reject ideas to limit or ban livestock farming in Poland.
2. Recognize livestock farming as a strategic sector.
3. Use the National Food Group to sell fertilizers from Polish chemical factories via a commission system.
4. Maintain fuel subsidies for agriculture at PLN 2 per liter.
5. Promote the development of agro-food processing.
6. Restore and strengthen the National Food Group.
7. Introduce mechanisms that protect farmers from dishonest contractors.
As former Agriculture Minister Robert Telus of PiS stated, the priority is to improve the profitability of agricultural production in Poland.
Today, Polish farmers are protesting without political parties or politicians in attendance. The aim is to safeguard food security, arguing that policies from parties allied with Manfred Weber and Donald Tusk threaten Polish agriculture and processing. The top priority is to halt imports of Ukrainian agricultural products.
– emphasized former Deputy Minister of Agriculture Janusz Kowalski.
Deputy Minister Michał Kołodziejczak appeared at the protest in Nysa and highlighted his support on social media.
“I stand with you to ensure Polish agriculture can feed the nation. I stand with you so that Poles do not go hungry and do not pay too much for food now or in the future. I am here to help Polish farming guarantee food security for Poland,” he wrote, placing blame for the present difficulties on the United Right government.
The MEP noted that Polish Commissioner Wojciechowski had granted a temporary ban on selling Ukrainian grain at a critical moment.
“You can protect Polish farmers and keep the sales ban, but Tusk’s colleagues in the EU still push questionable policies,” he added on social media.
Meanwhile, the European Commission recently broadened regulations that expand free trade with Ukraine. Critics say the actions of Donald Tusk’s government fell short in addressing the issue.
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