Polish farmers get ready to resume blockade of Polish-Ukrainian border

Polish farmers, who had previously suspended the blockade of the Ukrainian-Polish border, are prepared to resume the protest action.

Source: Polish TV news channel TVP Info, citing Wiktor Szmulewicz, Chairman of Poland's National Council of Agricultural Chambers

Details: The official noted that the border blockade may commence on 2-3 January unless the farmers receive written assurances from the Polish government that their demands will be met.

"Having consulted with the government, the Polish Agriculture Minister must meet the demands of the farmers, who suspended their protest on the Polish-Ukrainian border on Christmas Eve. The resumption of their activities depends on a written statement on fulfilling their core demands," Szmulewicz said.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the agricultural tax increase, easier access to soft loans to support the liquidity of their farms, and a 1,000 PLN (roughly US$250) per hectare maize bonus.

Polish Agriculture Minister Czesław Siekierski said in a 2 January interview with TVP Info that efforts in this area were ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Polish Agriculture Ministry tweeted, citing Siekierski, that legislative decisions were necessary to prepare the decisions.

"We are waiting for the EU's consent to subsidise maize. We want to maintain low-interest loans. We also believe local governments should be able to exempt farmers from agricultural tax increases without losing themselves," the minister said.

Commenting for polskieradio24.pl on the demand of the protesting farmers, who insist on regulating the conditions of food imports from Ukraine, Siekierski explained that a trilateral agreement between Warsaw, Kyiv and Brussels was crucial.

"Until the issue is resolved, the grain import embargo will remain intact. We must keep the embargo in place until conditions that would change the situation are defined, i.e., limit the volume of possible influx of certain agricultural products. Ukraine has already had some experience with Romania and Bulgaria when it comes to restrictions. This will allow us to monitor these processes," the minister said.

Commenting on Siekierski's interview on TVP Info, Wiktor Szmulewicz, Chairman of Poland's National Council of Agricultural Chambers, said the minister is a government member and takes responsibility for the sector that falls within his competence.

"Therefore, when a minister makes such statements, his words are sacred, and I think he has the government's approval, and there should be no problems in this matter," Szmulewicz said.

Background: Meanwhile, Polish hauliers are continuing to block three checkpoints on the Polish-Ukrainian border, with about 3,000 lorries queuing up.

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