Will blocking the borders with Ukraine and rejecting the Green Deal solve the problems of Polish agriculture? – This will definitely not happen – says Dr. Jerzy Plewa, Team Europe Expert, Head of the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Areas (DG AGRI) in the European Commission in 2013–2020.
Will blocking the borders with Ukraine and rejecting the Green Deal solve the problems of Polish agriculture?
– This is definitely not going to happen – said Dr. Jerzy Plewa, Team Europe Expert, Head of the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Areas (DG AGRI) in the European Commission in 2013–2020, answering a question during the 9th European Congress of Agribusiness Managers.
– Facts are needed to make a diagnosis. Farmers who block roads to defend their interests say “no to the Green Deal and no to imports from Ukraine.” First of all, what is the Green Deal? This is a strategy that covers many sectors: energy, home insulation, the fight to reduce plastic consumption, and limiting food waste. Are farmers really against this? – asked Dr. Plewa.
And he added:
– There are two strategies in the Green Deal: From Farm to Fork and the one regarding biodiversity. These strategies provide for the reduction of pesticides and antibiotics. Unfortunately, Poland ranks second in Europe when it comes to the consumption of antibiotics per kilogram of animal production. Four times more than Denmark, two and a half times more than Germany and France. Of course, these strategies are not EU law, we must separate what is created in the EU and what is the responsibility of decision-makers in the country. I would like to point out that most of the solutions that farmers are concerned about were created here (in Poland – editorial note).
An example here are – in Dr. Plewa’s opinion – eco-schemes.
What to do with this thing?
– We currently have two problems in agriculture: one is the profitability of production at the current level of purchase prices and production costs, and the other is competitiveness. We should focus on the national Strategic Plan because we can change that. We will not change the Green Deal strategy – as the political will of the leaders of all EU countries – I assure you – we will not change it. If we really want to achieve some goal for farmers, we should focus on what can be done and this Strategic Plan should be definitely improved.
– I mentioned it two years ago, in the presence of the Commissioner and the ministers, that it (Polish PS – editorial note) leads to the open-air museum of Polish agriculture. Funds for subsidies for one cow were transferred to one ha, thus taking away funds that could have been used by farmers who are competitive.
– About Ukraine. Grain imports are blocked, and yet prices on the domestic market are the lowest. It is not because of imports from Ukraine that prices have dropped so much, but it is the situation on world markets. This problem needs to be addressed properly.
– Problems are created here, in Poland – added Dr. Plewa.
What are the prospects for Ukraine’s membership in the EU?
And more specifically, won’t Ukraine take money from Poland for subsidies?
– I think we need peace on our side here. I remember when we negotiated Polish membership in the EU. Many politicians on the EU side said: no, not Poland, because its agricultural sector is so large and backward. This will cost us dearly and we cannot accept them. In the case of Ukraine, there are other problems. It took Poland 10 years to join the EU. Ukraine submitted the application last year. Formal negotiations have not started yet, they will start in the agricultural sector with a review of the legislation. We know how complicated the situation is, there is war. The negotiations will certainly take a long time. There will undoubtedly also be transitional periods, because this is not only about subsidies, but, for example, the issue of corruption in Ukraine. Ukraine will still have to solve many problems, said Dr. Plewa.
As for subsidies:
– The CAP is changing and there are more and more voices in the EU that we need to support those farmers who provide public goods, e.g. take care of the environment. When I hear these disrespectful ideas: why do we need the CAP, and if we didn’t have these requirements, we wouldn’t be able to cope – my answer is: there is no obligation to use the CAP in Poland. If you meet certain requirements, you get benefits. You can’t get benefits if you don’t meet the requirements.
– So far, there is no element (from the Green Deal – editor’s note) that would harm Polish farmers, including the 4% set-aside. So far, this requirement has not even entered into force. But if this message continues, I am afraid that farmers are cutting off the branch they are sitting on.
– We had years of propaganda in Poland, which is now reaping these fruits. Because of this – in my opinion – farmers don’t really know why they are protesting when talking about the Green Deal – added Dr. Plewa.
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