Round table on grain
Plans for a round-table discussion on the grain market are moving forward. The gathering is set for the coming afternoon and will feature key voices from the sector, including AgroUnion leader Michał Kołodziejczak. The event comes amid political debate, with the opposition led by Donald Tusk criticizing the government for inaction. A recent motion from the PSL called for the removal of Deputy Prime Minister Henryk Kowalczyk from the role of Agriculture Minister.
PLN 600 million for subsidies for farmers
Officials are pressing Deputy Prime Minister Kowalczyk for details on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting and the government’s plan to address the grain market crisis. Kowalczyk has invited stakeholders to Warsaw, signaling an open-door approach to foster dialogue and gather practical solutions.
He notes the importance of collecting ideas from across the farming community, signaling that a broad, inclusive discussion will guide the government’s next steps.
When discussing the grain challenge, the first major point concerns the European Commission’s decision regarding subsidies of PLN 600 million. Kowalczyk stresses the pivotal role of this allocation in supporting farmers during the downturn.
Additionally, he announced on social media the approval of Poland’s support program for farmers hurt by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, underscoring a continued commitment to financial relief for those affected.
Second, the minister is considering further assistance drawn from the crisis reserve, with the aim of extending help beyond the immediate package already approved.
There is ongoing discussion about adopting a broader crisis-reserve mechanism within the EU, and Kowalczyk indicates a desire to explore how such tools could work in practice with farmers and policymakers alike.
The third area involves technical solutions and additional strategies to secure Polish borders and stabilize markets. Kowalczyk emphasizes the need for robust, practical measures that can be put in place without delay.
A fourth element to be debated at the European level concerns the EC’s decision on extending, renewing, or adjusting any duty-free import terms under certain conditions. Kowalczyk describes this as a critical discussion that could influence both prices and exports.
An end to the crisis at Easter?
There is speculation about whether all proposed measures can be implemented by Easter. Donald Tusk, the leader of the opposition, has pressed for timely progress. Kowalczyk acknowledges that some mechanisms can be put in place, but he cautions that solving all market problems is unlikely in the short term.
He stresses that the broader task is to develop effective mechanisms, boost exports, and offset price declines—while also considering border controls where necessary. The emphasis remains on practical, incremental steps that can help farmers weather the downturn.
“We will try to do what is possible.”
The discussion then turns to whether the grain crisis might fuel anti-Ukrainian sentiment among farmers. Kowalczyk warns of such risks and reiterates the need to explain that price drops attributed to imports from Ukraine are not the sole driver of hardship. Global market conditions are deteriorating, and these broader trends must be addressed in tandem with targeted support.
The question remains whether the market can regain stability before the conflict ends. Kowalczyk conveys cautious optimism about pursuing feasible actions now and continuing engagement at the European level to secure relief for Polish farmers.
When asked about personal risk in a turbulent sector, Kowalczyk responds that the crisis is a collective responsibility handled by the parliamentary group and the government. The focus, he says, is on delivering concrete results that can ease the pressure on farmers rather than on personal political calculations.
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JJ