Polish leaders to discuss agriculture with Ostrołęka residents amid grain debate

This weekend Polish leaders will meet with residents in the Ostrołęka region to discuss agriculture

Over the coming days, PiS President Jarosław Kaczyński, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Robert Telus are scheduled to join local residents in Ostrołęka. The gathering, announced by PiS spokesman Rafał Bochenek, focuses on the state of Polish agriculture and the party’s proposals for supporting farmers.

Bochenek indicated that the return date of the party leader to Poland would be announced in the near future during an appearance on Polsat News.

In Ostrołęka, President Jarosław Kaczyński is expected to participate in a meeting with local residents. The event will center on Polish agriculture, according to remarks from the PiS spokesman.

Also in attendance will be Prime Minister Morawiecki and Agriculture Minister Telus, Bochenek added. He stated that the discussion will cover challenges facing Polish farming and will present the party’s policy proposals.

The Ukrainian grain issue

The government plans to address the influx of Ukrainian grain into Poland and to introduce a package of subsidies and compensation for Polish farmers, Bochenek said. He noted that the matter will be raised on the international stage as well.

The spokesman was asked whether the issue of Ukrainian grain heading into rural Poland is a PiS priority. He emphasized that the party will act to help Polish farmers endure the situation and to export any excess grain from Poland so farmers can receive fair rewards.

Bochenek explained that a number of financial support measures have been or will be implemented to ensure farmers do not lose income. He also mentioned actions to curb the supply of certain grains and other products that might pose threats in the near term.

The PiS spokesman referenced a clip by Donald Tusk in which the PO leader quoted a head of the Grain and Feed Chamber about grain from Ukraine moving toward Poland. Bochenek argued that the statement mischaracterizes the situation and pointed out that some in the opposition have ties to individuals who previously pushed grain into the market.

He noted that the Grain and Feed Chamber represents several dozen companies, including some that imported such grain, and he argued that using this issue politically is a form of hypocrisy. Bochenek added that he expects a clear stance from Monika Piątkowska, who has been involved in PSL circles and in advisory roles related to Hołownia’s party.

According to Bochenek, Waldemar Pawlak is identified as president of Polskie Młyny, a company associated with Ukrainian grain imports. He accused PSL of remaining largely silent while protests and criticisms are directed at the government.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Janusz Kowalski reportedly handed a list of 56 organizations that imported Ukrainian grain to PSL Chairman Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, suggesting some connections to PSL. Bochenek said he awaited Kosiniak-Kamysz’s comment on the list.

When asked about forming a parliamentary committee of inquiry, the PiS spokesperson answered that such a body could be used in a longer process, but stressed that the Ukrainian grain issue must be addressed promptly with subsidies and compensation for farmers. He linked the problem to the European Commission’s decision to remove customs duties and quotas on Ukrainian grain, noting that the extension of that decision remains a concern for Poland.

Is this a quick decision?

Bochenek argued that the European Union bears responsibility for border controls and can impact tariffs and restrictions on grain flows on a day-to-day basis. He said discussions are ongoing and referenced a letter from Prime Minister Morawiecki about EC support for actions taken in Central and Eastern Europe. The aim is to see tangible results without harming domestic Poland’s economy.

Bochenek asserted that Poland will push strongly in international forums on this matter. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Telus, during a Sejm interview, warned that anyone attempting to cheat Poland on grain should face serious sanctions. He also indicated plans to discuss with Justice Minister Ziobro tougher penalties for those who attempt to manipulate grain markets.

Telus had previously signaled a broad plan to reduce Ukrainian grain inflows and to distribute grain more widely across Europe, signaling a significant regional approach to the grain challenge.

Source at wPolityce and related coverage are noted as references for ongoing developments and public reaction. The broad issue remains a live policy debate as Poland seeks to protect its farmers while engaging with broader European strategies on grain security and market stability.