Poland bans grain imports from Ukraine to protect farmers

“Today the government has decided on a regulation banning the import of grain into Poland and dozens of other types of foodstuffs,” said Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the ruling Law and Justice party. In addition to cereals, honey is also on the list of prohibited products.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, grain exports from Ukraine pass through the European Union to other countries. The war closed the traditional routes across the Black Sea. However, due to logistical problems, grain accumulated in Poland, which lowered local prices. This led to peasant protests and the resignation of the Polish Minister of Agriculture.

Failure to act, Kaczynski argues, will lead to a “widespread crisis” in the agricultural sector. “We must protect Polish agriculture,” he said at a conference of his party. The Prime Minister stressed that Poland continues to support its neighbor Ukraine. “We will remain friends and allies of Ukraine without any change,” Kaczynski said.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Agricultural Policy said on Saturday that it regretted Poland’s decision. “Polish farmers are facing a difficult situation, but we assure that Ukrainian farmers are facing the most difficult situation,” the ministry said. The ministry suggested reaching a new agreement in the coming days that satisfies both parties.

Last month, Poland and several other central European countries asked the European Union for help in counteracting falling Ukrainian grain prices.