Polish farmers protest low prices, demand aid and policy reforms

Farmers in Poland staged a protest outside the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, warning that family farms are on the brink of bankruptcy. They cited dramatically low purchase prices for grain and vegetables – around 3.5–4 zł per kilogram, comparable to rates from two decades ago – alongside soaring costs for fertilizers, diesel and gas. Union spokesperson Adrian Wawrzyniak said the sector lacks sufficient financial support from the ministry and the government, despite promises made in April.

At the same time, the National Council of Agricultural Chambers (KRIR) criticised a draft law that would move diesel‑fuel tax refunds for agricultural use entirely online and limit applications to one annual deadline, arguing it could exclude producers lacking digital skills and fail to match the seasonal cash‑flow needs of farms. The council also called for higher refund rates and larger fuel‑usage limits.

Separately, the Ministry of Climate and Environment is working on legislation to allow compensation for crops damaged by wild birds, a long‑standing loss for farmers that currently lacks a legal remedy.