“We have a really difficult situation on the grain, vegetable and potato markets,” admitted the Minister of Agriculture, Stefan Krajewski, during a meeting with farmers in Nowa Sól on Friday. He said that if the European Commission agrees, more money will soon be released for low-interest loans.
The minister is aware that this form of aid is controversial, but points out that when PLN 700 million was secured for these loans, the limits were quickly exhausted in many banks because there was huge interest.
See also: The topic of trade with Ukraine returns. An important contract on the table
The minister hopes that billions of EU zlotys intended for loans for farmers will be released within a few days. “I know it's not the only solution, but consent of the European Commission is required for any subsidies or intervention purchases. – said Minister Krajewski.
He added that there are certain products that can be covered by intervention purchase, but this form of aid is not profitable for farmers because the applicable prices were set by the EC in 2007 and 2008 and have not been updated since then, which is why they are low.
“In connection with I applied to the European Commission to make intervention purchase prices more realistic“- he informed.
See also: This agreement is keeping farmers awake at night. “This is the biggest threat”
The Ministry also tries to pay them compensation as soon as possible for damage caused by animal diseases or natural disasters.
The minister said that he was aware of the very difficult situation on the markets and that is why he was meeting with farmers. He announced that in On October 16, such talks will take place at the Ministry of Agriculture with the participation of representatives of all agricultural organizations.
