Polish Commissioner supports farmers’ demand to limit exports of agricultural goods from Ukraine

European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski has supported the demands of Polish farmers who have blocked a number of checkpoints on the border with Ukraine. This is stated in a letter from the European Commissioner to the Polish protesters, published on his page on the social network “X”.

“Dear farmers, protesters! Thank you once again for the food security you provide for all of us and for your efforts to protect the environment, climate and animal welfare. I am with you, I respect your protest, I support your demands,” Wojciechowski wrote.

The European Commissioner reminded that grain imports from Ukraine to neighboring EU countries have been suspended and promised to authorize restrictions on the import of sugar, poultry and eggs from Ukraine. According to him, a corresponding draft decision has already been prepared at the EU level.

Wojciechowski also listed steps to meet other demands of Polish farmers to lift restrictions on the use of pesticides, increase subsidies, etc.

At the same time, the European Commissioner assured the striking farmers that he continues to advocate in the European Union for an increase in direct subsidies in 2024. He also proposed to exempt farmers from any sanctions for non-compliance with farming conditions (fallow, crop rotation, winter shelter) due to “extraordinary circumstances”, which he called the war in Ukraine.

The European Commissioner promised that he would try to achieve a significant increase in the EU’s agricultural budget for the period after 2027, as well as to help farmers in crisis situations. In addition, he will demand the extension of state aid to farmers beyond June 2024 due to the war in Ukraine.

“As you can see from the above, I have achieved 100% of what was possible and at least 50% of what was impossible, such as the ban on imports from Ukraine,” Wojciechowski wrote.

Tags: Poland, sugar, Meat, protests, restrictions, Ukraine, grain