Large-scale protests by farmers took place across the country in Poland

Warsaw, Poland (Svidomi) — On March 20th, farmers protested in many regions of Poland, including major cities. Polish protesters blocked the movement of buses at the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing point "Medyka - Shehyni". However, as of 8:40pm, the movement through the border crossing point was unblocked.

Polish media report on over five hundred official demonstrations, with more than 70 thousands farmers participating. The protests caused significant disruptions on the roads.

Polish farmers are protesting against the 'EU Green Deal', the import of agricultural products from Ukraine, restrictions on animal breeding in Poland, and the 'dramatic situation' in agriculture.

According to Polskie Radio, the Minister of Agriculture of Poland, Czesław Siekierski, and Polish farmers signed agreements on Tuesday night. The Polish government commits to maintain an embargo on the import of products from Ukraine and will be able to prohibit the transit of certain Ukrainian agricultural goods through the territory of Poland.

The parties also stated in the document that trade relations between the two countries should be regulated, including access to the market for products such as grains, rapeseed, corn, sugar, poultry, eggs, soft fruits, and apples.

The document also includes a provision regarding subsidies, covering barley and rye, among others. Subsidies will be provided at the level of aid from 2023 and will apply to grain sold during the period from January 1 to May 30, 2024.

The size of the agricultural tax will also be kept at the level of 2023.

Svidomi has reported on why farmers are protesting across the EU, including in Poland specifically.