Poland's agricultural markets face higher fruit processor prices, pellet shortfalls and livestock strain

Polish fruit processors reported a sharp rise in prices for black currants in July 2026, with juice‑grade rates up 32 % to 7.97 zł/kg and freezing‑grade up 27 % to 9.23 zł/kg. At the same time, a shortage of wood pellets has driven wholesale prices to 2 500–3 000 zł per tonne, prompting calls for emergency imports and speculation that State Forests may start pellet production.

Straw prices have also diverged regionally as harvests progress, with fresh straw in 120 cm bales averaging 75 zł in most voivodeships but reaching 95 zł in Podlasie, while last‑year’s straw sells for about 45 zł in the south‑west and 65 zł elsewhere. Fruit markets in Bronisze show blueberries priced up to 30 zł/kg for the largest berries and plums at 7‑8 zł/kg. Potato growers face a projected drop in cultivated area of about 12 % and heat‑related quality issues, foreseeing lower yields (≈6 Mt vs 7 Mt last year) and potential price pressure, especially for starch‑grade potatoes.

The European Commission forecasts a continued decline in EU cattle numbers and beef output, keeping beef prices high while import share rises. In addition, Poland has submitted a request to the Commission for extraordinary financial aid to pork producers, citing a 7 % price gap below the EU average and competition from Brazil and Canada. These multiple commodity pressures highlight a tightening agricultural market across Poland.