Poland announces new agricultural subsidies and wine industry petitions

The Polish Ministry of Agriculture has announced a new subsidy program starting in October to support small-scale food processing and direct sales from farms. Through the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR), farmers and their spouses engaging in agricultural retail trade (RHD) can apply for grants ranging from 30,000 PLN to 120,000 PLN. These funds are intended to cover up to 65 percent of eligible costs for investments in facilities, equipment, energy solutions, and sales tools. Additionally, micro-entrepreneurs already operating in agricultural product processing may be eligible for up to 500,000 PLN to support further development.

Separately, the Lubuskie Chamber of Wine Economy (IGLW) has submitted a petition to the Prime Minister and several ministries to protect the Polish wine industry. The petition seeks to recognize domestic winemaking as a regional product and a cultural heritage element. Key demands include distinguishing the promotion of agriculture and wine tourism from alcohol advertising to exempt wine events from certain advertising bans. The chamber warns that current regulations could threaten the livelihoods of approximately 5,000 people connected to the 765 family-run vineyards operating in Poland.