The Ministers of Agriculture of Poland and Ukraine announced the continuation of talks on the licensing of agricultural products from across the eastern border – the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced on Friday.
According to the ministry, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski, talked on Friday with the Minister of Agricultural and Food Policy of Ukraine, Mykola Solski, online. It was added that this was the second such conversation between politicians this year.
Farmers’ protests
It is written that Minister Siekierski, presenting to his Ukrainian interlocutor the reasons for farmers’ protests in Poland, pointed out that Polish agricultural producers lack financial resources to purchase seeds or plant protection products, and also have significant reservations about the Green Deal. He noted that one of the important demands of the protesters is to tighten trade with Ukraine.
Blocking the border does not serve both countries
Minister Mykola Solski – as reported – expressed understanding towards the situation of Polish farmers. At the same time, he pointed to the difficult situation of farmers in Ukraine who conduct agricultural production in war conditions. He emphasized that Ukrainian companies currently export most of their goods, including grain, via the reopened route through the Black Sea. He also stated that blocking the border does not benefit trade between Poland and Ukraine.
“The ministers agreed to continue the work of the working group on the licensing mechanism for agricultural products from Ukraine. They also agreed on the need for further meetings at both technical and political levels in the near future,” the ministry wrote.
Bogusław Wijatyk, director general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, also participated in the conversation.
