New head of Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture supports restrictions on Ukrainian agriproduct exports

On July 23, 2025, a new cabinet was approved in Poland, where the post of Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was given to Stefan Krajewski, who previously held the position of State Secretary. He announced this on his Facebook page. The previous minister was Czesław Siekerski, who headed the department since December 18, 2023.

Stefan Krajewski is known for his support for the embargo on the import of Ukrainian grain. In 2023, he stated: “Until we find other solutions, the embargo will be maintained.” He also criticized the publication of a list of Polish companies that imported Ukrainian grain, believing that this turned farmers against business, causing disagreements and concerns in the agricultural sector.

In July 2025, Krajewski expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of a bilateral safeguard clause in the new trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU, which allows for restrictions in the event of excessive imports threatening the markets of member states. However, he stressed that this mechanism does not cover products that have already been liberalized, such as raspberries or rapeseed, and called for the gradual introduction of increased quotas, in particular for sugar and honey.

Poland, according to Krajewski, continues to insist on the creation of a compensation fund for European farmers who suffer losses due to imports from Ukraine, following the example of the fund provided for in the Mercosur agreement. He stressed the need to protect the Polish agricultural market from excessive competition caused by duty-free trade with Ukraine.

Polish farmers have already expressed their expectations from the new minister. Damian Murawiec, a representative of the farmers’ organization, said that farmers face tough competition due to the free trade agreement with Ukraine and demand decisive action, including the creation of a blocking minority against the agreement with Mercosur, to protect the interests of the Polish agricultural sector.

Tags: Ukraine, Poland, agricultural products, restrictions, agricultural sector