Deputy Minister Adam Nowak also met with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Poland.

Export success of Polish foodstuffs

“I would like to thank processors, exporters, and entrepreneurs for their contributions to Poland’s remarkable export success and the 10-fold increase in the volume of Polish agri-food exports over the past 20 years,” said the Undersecretary. He also highlighted that, over the course of Poland’s 20 years of EU membership, the value of Polish food exports has increased to 51.8 billion euros in 2023.

The Deputy Minister added, “The development and modernisation of agri-food processing, including the use of EU funds, has also enabled Polish farmers and the wider Polish economy to flourish.”

Recipients of Polish foodstuffs

As Deputy Minister Adam Nowak observed, the EU market represents the largest traditional market for Polish agri-food products.

“However, population decline in Europe is prompting the search for new markets for Polish food. The global population and demand for food are both increasing,” he noted.

Opportunities and challenges

Deputy Minister Nowak highlighted the potential for energy production as one of the key opportunities for Poland’s agri-food sector. According to the Undersecretary of State, one of the key objectives of the Polish government is to support our economy abroad through the activities of agricultural advisors at Polish diplomatic missions.

Mr Nowak said that it is also incumbent upon the state to reinforce the agri-food sector by providing support for education, research, and innovation. These responsibilities are discharged, among others, by institutions subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“An important task,” he said, “is to train competent personnel. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development oversees 64 agricultural schools, which are also engaged in the field of agri-food processing.”

Panel discussion topics

During the “Polish food abroad: successes, opportunities and challenges” panel, the following topics were discussed:

• How to increase the added value of Polish exports?

• Export of Polish brands and processed products.

• EU market the main buyer of Polish food – how will exports be affected by the stagnating German economy? Third country markets – where to look for opportunities for Polish food (Asia, Middle East).

• Competitiveness of Polish food in the context of Ukraine’s convergence with the EU – threats, advantages, recipes.

About the event

The European Economic Congress in Katowice is the largest business event in Central Europe. The topics discussed cover the complex geopolitical situation and its impact on the economy. Speakers include representatives of foreign companies, institutions, organisations, and governments.