Poland faces soaring rapeseed prices and pig price collapse, threatening farms

Polish rapeseed prices jumped sharply in early July, rising up to 50 zł per tonne within four days to a range of 2,120‑2,305 zł/t. The increase is attributed to strong domestic demand, processing capacity that exceeds national production (3.5‑3.9 Mt), and rising logistics costs. An embargo on Ukrainian rapeseed seeds limits supply, prompting processors to call for imports; Poland has become the EU’s second-largest importer of rapeseed oil after Spain.

At the same time, pig (tucznik) prices have fallen to about 4 zł/kg, below production costs. Farmers warn that continued losses could force the closure of more livestock farms. The downturn is driven by falling German market prices, high feed and energy costs, growing pork imports, and the ongoing threat of African swine fever outbreaks. Producers are demanding state compensation, but EU market rules limit direct subsidies. The agriculture ministry says it will investigate market practices and consider measures to support the sector.