Speaking to Polsat News, Agriculture Minister Henryk Kowalczyk acknowledged a person or group benefiting from the recent controversy but withheld specifics to protect tax information. He indicated the need to understand how the issue should be disclosed, without compromising legal certainty.
Farmer protests
The Agriculture Minister faced questions about protests by farmers reacting to falling grain prices. The core concern centers on the perceived influx of grain from Ukraine into the Polish market. While some grain was intended for other destinations, a portion stayed within Poland, fueling tension among growers who rely on stable prices.
Kowalczyk reflected on the harvest period, explaining that panic selling during peak collection would depress prices further. He clarified that his remarks were tied to the harvest window, not to any broader post-harvest policy, and noted that public interpretation often shifts over time.
He added that many advisers urged caution in June and May, warning against exporting grain if it could lead to shortages. The remarks emphasized that concerns about famine and market uncertainty were voiced early, while later commentary sometimes reinterprets those warnings. He argued that hindsight can oversimplify the situation, especially when assessing decisions made before or during the harvest.
Deputy Prime Minister Kowalczyk pointed out that the difficulties faced by farmers were influenced in part by EU policies and by private buyers who did not purchase Polish grains as hoped.
Who made money from it?
The minister indicated that the topic of Ukrainian grain would be discussed during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Poland. He cited calls from Ukrainians for easing grain inspections in Poland, signaling ongoing friction around trade rules and border controls.
Asked whether he had signals from within his party about resigning, Kowalczyk stressed his concern with the European Union’s measured approach to the issue and the broader policy framework rather than personal speculation. He reiterated that the answers ahead would depend on policy developments and market conditions.
The minister reiterated that the matter involved sensitive information tied to legal considerations, leaving some questions unanswered while signaling a need for transparent discussion about the policy levers available to Polish authorities. The aim was to balance market stability with the long-term goals of the farming sector.
Context around the grain debate also covered how regional dynamics, commodity prices, and international trade rules intersect with domestic agricultural policy. Observers note that decisions taken during the harvest period have a pronounced impact on farmers, processors, and consumers alike.