Farmers and food industry workers protest sugar tax hikes in Warsaw

Farmers, orchardists, sugar beet growers, and food industry workers held a protest in Warsaw on October 27 to oppose planned increases to the sugar tax. Organized by NSZZ 'Solidarność' unions, the demonstration took place near the Wincenty Witos monument at Plac Trzech Krzyży.

Protesters argue that the tax increases, recently approved by the Sejm, will negatively impact the entire supply chain. The legislation raises the fixed rate for beverages containing up to 5 grams of sugar per 100 ml from 50 to 70 groszy per liter. Organizers warn that higher beverage prices will reduce demand for sugar, fruit, and other raw materials, ultimately threatening agricultural farms, processing plants, and jobs.

Zbigniew Sikorski, chairman of the Food Industry and Agriculture Secretariat of NSZZ 'Solidarność', criticized the tax, suggesting that previous revenues intended for the National Health Fund (NFZ) were instead used to cover budget deficits. Tomasz Obszański, chairman of the Independent Farmers' Union 'Solidarność', described the current situation in the agricultural sector as a 'scandal' and expressed concern that government policies are driving agriculture and processing toward collapse.