Poland's potato and pork markets brace for lower yields and falling prices

The Polish potato sector has undergone major restructuring: cultivated area and farm numbers have fallen while yields, specialization and contracts with processors have risen. Expert Wiesław Dzwonkowski warned that the 2026/27 European season may see reduced harvests due to lower plantings and adverse weather, which could push free‑market potato prices higher even as contract prices remain low.

A Pekao SA analysis shows that poultry producers in the EU can still expect positive profitability, but pork and beef face a tougher outlook. Chinese pork imports are projected to fall by about 16% in 2026, lowering EU pork export volumes to China by 20% year‑on‑year. Meanwhile EU pig slaughter rose 2% and domestic pork prices dropped 27% in June, reflecting oversupply and weakening demand. Analysts anticipate further price pressure and a possible cut‑back in production by less efficient farms later in the year.