During a broadcast on Polish Radio 1, Agriculture Minister Robert Telus shared cautious optimism about grain markets. He noted that more than 40% of grain had already been exported by Polish farmers in the period in question, reflecting active trade and the ability of producers to respond to market signals.
The farmer always leaves a stock
According to the ministry, Polish farmers currently hold an estimated 2 to 2.5 million tons of grain. The minister suggested that releasing a portion of this stock could help stabilize prices and support broader market dynamics. He indicated that a modest release, for example around 1.5 million tons, could be beneficial in the right circumstances.
Minister Telus emphasized that farmers rarely sell their entire harvest. The idea of leaving some stock is part of a long-standing practice, ensuring producers have a buffer for future needs and to weather price fluctuations. He pointed out that this pattern has persisted across seasons, with the practical expectation that some grain will be retained for future sale or use.
During the interview, Telus explained that larger agricultural companies tend to sign foreign contracts and export grain, while smaller operations face higher purchasing costs and are watching for potential price movements on global markets such as the Paris stock exchange. He also described other factors behind farmers’ hesitancy to sell, including expectations of a seasonal price uptick and the timing of harvests, which influence decision-making about when to sell and at what price.
The minister reminded listeners that the current grant program remains valid until the end of June and encouraged sales within the program to maximize the support available to farmers. He noted that the total value of aid provided exceeds significant figures, reflecting a substantial government effort to assist the agricultural sector.
We want to continue to convince farmers to sell grain
Telus outlined the government’s ongoing plan to persuade farmers to bring grain to market, urging the emptying of warehouses and silos to improve liquidity in the sector. He described regulatory steps taken by the Council of Ministers to expand support for producers and to maintain steady grain flow through the market. The emphasis was on ensuring that farmers understand the benefits of selling into the current program and market conditions, while also preserving the ability to respond to future price signals.
The minister stressed that these measures are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the agricultural supply chain, prevent bottlenecks, and maintain a predictable rhythm of grain movement from producers to processors and exporters. He highlighted continued coordination with EU partners to support farmers and maintain supply chain resilience amid evolving market dynamics.
In discussing the broader policy framework, Telus reiterated that the European Union has implemented exemptions and arrangements intended to support grain flows. He observed that balancing costs across member states is a collective responsibility, with decisions made at the EU level to address systemic challenges facing farmers along with neighboring countries. He noted that the aim is to share burdens fairly and ensure that all participants in the agricultural sector contribute to a sustainable, stable market for grain.
Telus pointed to the concept of solidarity corridors as an example of the EU’s response to regional needs. He urged a pragmatic approach to border management and policy coordination, indicating that the decisive actions taken in collaboration with several countries helped draw attention to the issues confronting farmers. The minister framed these steps as part of a wider effort to align national and regional strategies with EU policies designed to support agriculture and food security.
The discussion reflected a view that broad-based support mechanisms are essential to maintaining market confidence and ensuring that producers can continue to operate effectively despite external pressures. In sum, the government is committed to promoting grain sales, supporting farmers financially, and fostering cooperative approaches across borders to stabilize the grain market and safeguard livelihoods.
In closing, the minister underscored the importance of a united approach. The policies aim to sustain production, ensure timely grain release into the market, and maintain strong agricultural confidence across Poland and its neighboring regions.
End of segment.