A subsidy of PLN 1,000 per hectare of maize and an increase to the liquidity loan pool by PLN 2.5 billion was proposed by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anna Gembicka during talks with protesting farmers and transporters at the border in Medyka.
On Monday, farmers began a blockade of the border crossing at Medyka in the Podkarpackie region, which is expected to last until 3 January 2024. They joined the protest of transporters on the Polish-Ukrainian border, which has been ongoing since 6 November, blocking the border crossings at Korczowa and Dorohusk and Hrebenne in the Lubelskie Voivodeship.
The protesting farmers made three demands: subsidies for the purchase of maize, the maintenance of agricultural tax at this year’s level and the continuation of liquidity loans.
“We will discuss these issues, demand by demand”, assured Minister Anna Gembicka before the meeting began.
“We know that the situation here at the border is difficult, but we also know that the situation caused by Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine is very difficult and unfortunately also caused by the irresponsible policy of the European Union”, emphasised Minister Anna Gembicka.
At the same time, she drew attention to the European Community’s failure to see the problems of Poland and the frontline countries.
The Head of the Ministry of Agriculture stressed that the discussion concerned both EU and national solutions.
“With regard to the first of the postulates, we propose subsidies for maize at the level of 1000 PLN/ha”, said Minister Anna Gembicka.
The second demand concerned the extension of liquidity credits at an interest rate of 2%.
The submitted applications have practically exhausted the entire pot of 10 billion PLN and, therefore, we will want to increase this entire credit pot by another 2.5 billion PLN”, said the head of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Minister Gembicka said after the talks that she had requested EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to meet with the protesting farmers and transport workers.
Adrian Andrzejewski