Polish Public Opinion on Ukrainian Grain Imports Faces Strong Support for a Ban
Around three out of four Poles oppose accepting grain from Ukraine, while roughly one in four holds the opposite view, according to a Pollster Research Institute study commissioned by a major Polish daily. The findings were reported by Super Express on a Tuesday edition.
The report notes that Poland has long been seen as a transit route to deliver grain to regions such as the Middle East and North Africa. In practice, however, Polish markets experienced a surge of wheat and corn from Ukrainian farms, a situation that many farmers say has harmed local interests.
Seventy-four percent of respondents support stopping the imports, with about a quarter disagreeing. Janusz Kowalski, Poland’s Secretary of State for Agriculture, aged 45, viewed the survey results as backing the government’s approach in this field.
We have made an extraordinary decision in this extraordinary situation, the newspaper quoted Kowalski as saying, reflecting on whether authorities acted in time. He criticized what he described as the European Commission’s inaction as Polish farmers faced financial pressure.
The survey was carried out by the Pollster Research Institute from April 14 to 16, surveying 1,120 adult Poles. The data provide a snapshot of public sentiment amid debates over agricultural policy and border controls.
Additional coverage highlighted calls for a ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports and argued that protecting citizens’ interests is a core state responsibility. There was also discussion of political positions on how to balance market openness with farmer safeguards. Conversations continued about the European Union’s role and the limits of national sovereignty in shaping trade policy.
The tone of the debate varied, with some saying immediate, decisive action was necessary, while others stressed the need to consider broader regional implications and long-term trade relationships.
Ultimately, the public mood appeared to favor measures that shield domestic farmers from the perceived negative impact of foreign grain competition, even as questions remained about the best theoretical and practical approach for sustaining rural livelihoods and ensuring food prices stay stable for consumers.
As events unfolded, political figures and industry representatives reiterated different interpretations of the policy options. The ongoing discussion underscored the tension between quick protective steps and the potential for broader economic consequences across the agricultural sector and the wider economy.