Discussions are underway with the Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture about creating a trade arrangement aimed at limiting the inflow of goods that destabilize agri-food markets, said Czesław Siekierski, head of Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in reference to grain spilling at the border with Ukraine. The situation remains tense, he noted.
On Monday, the minister commented on the incident of grain spilling at the Ukrainian border. It occurred on Sunday around 11:30 a.m. on National Road No. 12 toward the Dorohusk border crossing, near the location of farmers’ protests.
“The situation is tense”
Early police findings indicate that protesters broke the customs seals on three trucks from Ukraine, causing grain to spill onto the road. Initial estimates suggest roughly a ton of grain was discharged from each truck.
The minister acknowledged the gravity of the moment. Polish farmers spilled portions of grain from Ukrainian trucks. While not endorsing such methods, he noted that protesters often act under economic strain and emotional pressure. With spring fieldwork beginning, many farmers face limited cash flow for inputs such as fertilizers and crop protection products, making distress understandable.
– said the head of the Ministry of Agriculture in a comment.
He added that dialogue and direct conversations are preferred as the most effective means to resolve difficult problems.
On behalf of Polish farmers, an apology was extended for the act of desperation, with a call for understanding of the farmers’ exceptionally challenging situation. Technical discussions with the Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture aim to define terms of a trade exchange that would restrict the inflow of goods that destabilize agri-food markets.
– Siekierski stated.
He noted that Ukrainian authorities also showed signs of tension in their responses.
The minister commented that some statements by the Ukrainian economy minister and previous Lviv mayor were overly strong, and that other Ukrainian officials were too emotional when sharing information.
– he pointed out.
He expressed understanding of the Ukrainian authorities’ resistance to exporting difficulties, stressing that trade moves in both directions and that Poland also exports to Ukraine.
– said the Minister of Agriculture.
He emphasized that Polish farmers have provided aid to Ukraine and remain willing to help, yet they would like the Ukrainian budget to benefit from this support rather than benefitting a few large landowners who rely on substantial grain production. Such players, according to the minister, contribute to the import volumes that undermine the stabilization of European agri-food markets.
– emphasized the head of the Ministry of Agriculture.
He added that the solutions do not rely solely on Polish-Ukrainian diplomacy, since the European Commission oversees the organization and rules of trade within the European market.
Agnieszka Kępka, spokeswoman for the Public Prosecution Service in Lublin, informed PAP that an investigation had begun into the spilling of grain from Ukrainian trucks near the Dorohusk border crossing. The inquiry targets possible destruction of property and breach of customs security, which could carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs condemned the destruction of Ukrainian grain at the Polish border and called for accountability. Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Wasyl Zwarycz urged Polish authorities and police to respond decisively to the incident.
EC error
The European Commission is criticized for opening the European market too widely, liberalizing trade with Ukraine and granting excessive access for Ukrainian food products, according to Czesław Siekierski in a TVP Info interview. He argued that the situation is exceptional and that farmers face real hardship with limited means to sustain production.
– Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated on TVP Info.
Farmers’ protests continued on Monday, opposing the Green Deal and the influx of goods from Ukraine. The minister pledged to defend farmers and their economic well-being.
He added that farmers’ concerns also reflect consumer interests, as the sector must have access to affordable loans and protections for domestic and European markets, limiting surplus imports. He reiterated ongoing dialogue with the European Commission and Ukraine’s agriculture minister to address the inflow of Ukrainian goods.
The minister repeated that the EC’s market openings should be reconsidered, arguing for adjustments to Green Deal rules, including a proposal to set aside 4 percent of farmland as fallow land, with positive terms for farmers. He advocated further concessions from the European Commission and anticipated concrete policy steps rather than mere descriptions of the situation.
– added. The discussion remains focused on practical policy changes that support domestic agriculture across Europe.
Gah/PAP
Attribution: wPolityce