Polish social benefit and agricultural subsidy updates

Poland has introduced several updates regarding social benefits and agricultural subsidies for 2026. In mid-August, authorities announced new schedules for family allowances and alimony fund benefits, including specific income thresholds and a ‘zloty for zloty’ rule to protect beneficiaries from income fluctuations. Simultaneously, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR) updated its funding schedule for the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, covering areas such as African Swine Fever prevention, livestock insurance, and renewable energy. By late August, ARiMR expanded its support by announcing new grants for the processing and marketing of agricultural products. These grants, available starting September 1, 2026, target micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with funding ranging from 100,000 PLN to 10 million PLN. Additionally, the application period for de minimis subsidies for sowing material concluded, with over 35,000 applications registered via the Farmer Portal. Further developments in mid-August include the launch of funding calls for educational farms through the ‘Trzy Krajobrazy’ Local Action Group and bio-security investments to mitigate African Swine Fever risks. To address economic difficulties and extreme weather, Minister of Agriculture Stefan Krajewski has accelerated direct payment disbursements. Advance payments, covering up to 75% of direct payments and 85% for certain ecological or environmental payments, are scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026. The government is also preparing aid for fertilizers and diesel to combat rising production costs. To ensure successful transfers, ARiMR has urged farmers to verify their registered bank account numbers. The government is also exploring legislative changes regarding excise tax refunds on diesel and protections against legal claims related to farm noise and odors.