Meeting with the Ukrainian Minister of Agriculture
16.02.2024
Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, talked today with Mykola Solski, Minister of Agricultural and Food Policy of Ukraine. It was the second meeting of the two politicians this year, organised online. The meeting was attended also by Bogusław Wijatyk, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
About farmers’ protests in Poland
Minister Czesław Siekierski outlined to his Ukrainian interlocutor the reasons for farmers’ protests in Poland. He pointed out that Polish agricultural producers lack funds to purchase seeds or plant protection products, and they also have major reservations regarding the Green Deal. The Polish Minister noted that the protesters demand, among others, tightening trade with Ukraine.
The situation of farmers in Ukraine
Minister Mykola Solski expressed understanding about the situation of farmers in Poland. He also pointed to the difficult situation of Ukrainian farmers who pursue agricultural production in war conditions. The Ukrainian Minister emphasised that currently, Ukrainian companies 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 talks will continue
The Ministers agreed that the activities of the working group on the licencing mechanism for agricultural products from Ukraine should be continued. They also agreed to hold further meetings at both technical and political levels in the near future.