'We face a real repeat of the 2022 grain market crisis': Polish farmers fear higher transit of Ukrainian grain
Marcin Wroński, a representative of the Polish farmers' union Samoobrona, said that increasing transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through Poland could lead to a repeat of the 2022 grain market crisis. At the same time, the Polish Association of Cereal Producers (PZPRZ) has urged the government to protect the domestic market if transit volumes rise.
The appeal follows reports that Ukraine is negotiating with Poland, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary on using their railway, port and logistics infrastructure to export grain after the effective shutdown of the deepwater Odesa ports.
PZPRZ reminded that, in the association's view, transit of Ukrainian agricultural products in 2023 created significant imbalances in Poland's grain market and put additional pressure on prices. The organisation argued that transit status alone did not guarantee that part of the cargo would not remain in Poland.
The association also warned that the risks extend beyond the possibility of Ukrainian grain entering the Polish market. If Poland becomes one of the main logistics corridors for Ukrainian exports, Ukrainian and Polish grain could compete more directly in their traditional export destinations.
"This is a very unfavourable situation for our farmers. If such agreements are reached, ports will ship Ukrainian grain to our traditional buyers instead of Polish grain, rather than helping reduce Poland's grain surplus. The consequences could be severe: unsold grain will remain in the country, driving prices down," Wroński said.
According to Statistics Poland, the country harvested 37.3 million tons of grain in 2025, while the area sown with major cereal crops increased by about 2.9% in 2026. The market also continues to face substantial carryover stocks, while Polish grain producers are struggling with weak sales and low profitability.
PZPRZ has asked the Polish government to clarify whether it plans to increase transit of Ukrainian agricultural products, what commodities and volumes would be involved, whether an impact assessment has been conducted, and what measures will be introduced to protect domestic producers.
"We face a real repeat of the 2022 grain market crisis. Have any lessons been learned? I doubt it," Wroński concluded.