Carp production in Poland faces shortages and rising prices

Polish carp producers are facing a challenging 2026 season, with expectations of lower production and potential price increases of 10–20 percent for the Christmas period. The autumn harvest, which runs through November, is being impacted by several critical factors, including water shortages, rising energy and transport costs, and losses caused by cormorants.

While overall production is expected to decline, some direct-to-producer pricing has already been established. For instance, Milicz Ponds in Lower Silesia has set its retail price for whole carp at 28 PLN per kilogram. Other farms are reporting similar direct-sale prices ranging between 25 and 30 PLN per kilogram. However, final supermarket prices remain uncertain and will depend on market conditions leading up to the holidays.