Polish agriculture faces rising fertilizer costs and wheat price surges

Polish farmers are expressing dissatisfaction with government fertilizer subsidies. One farmer reported paying 45,000 PLN more for fertilizer due to Middle East conflict-related price increases, yet receiving only 6 PLN in aid per hectare. Agriculture Minister Stefan Krajewski responded by stating that the promised 500 PLN per hectare is a maximum cap rather than a guaranteed flat rate. He noted that reference prices are calculated using data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) and the Agricultural Advisory Center to account for annual price fluctuations.

Simultaneously, economic forecasts indicate rising costs for grain producers. A report from PKO Bank Polski predicts that average wheat purchase prices could increase by 17% to 28% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2026, with similar upward trends expected in early 2027. These projections are driven by lower expected grain yields in the EU and geopolitical risks in the Black Sea region. Additionally, the USDA suggests global grain harvests for the 2026/2027 season may decrease by 2.5% compared to the previous year.