Work Programme of the Danish Presidency

Denmark, currently holding the Presidency of the Council, presented its work programme and priorities for the second half of 2025. The Presidency’s objective is to facilitate the daily operations of farmers, fishers, and food producers. The focus will be on simplifying regulations and improving legislative processes, which are crucial for enhancing the sector’s competitiveness. Measures are planned to support the ecological transition, innovation, and market orientation of the agri-food sector. A significant goal is also to reduce administrative burdens on farmers and producers.

In the area of fisheries, one of the priorities will be the timely adoption of fishing opportunities for 2026.

Protein for Food and Feed – Supply, Production and Sustainability

Ministers discussed national and EU initiatives aimed at diversifying protein sources for food and feed. Secretary of State Stefan Krajewski emphasised that the need to build protein self-sufficiency within the European Union had long been recognised. In Poland, the primary source of protein used in animal feed production remains imported soya meal, which is genetically modified. Each year, Poland imports approximately 2.5 million tonnes of soya meal, accounting for over 70% of total protein requirements in feed production.

The Deputy Minister outlined the numerous actions undertaken in Poland to develop the protein crop market – including research and implementation programmes which have contributed to increased yields, the introduction of new plant protection products, and raising farmers’ awareness of protein crop cultivation. Parallel efforts are underway to select soya varieties suited to regional conditions, alongside the promotion of its cultivation. Producers are able to benefit from coupled payments and programmes promoting the potential of protein crops.

Secretary of State Stefan Krajewski noted that support programmes were producing results – there is an increase in the area cultivated with protein crops, especially soya, which is leading to a higher share of domestic protein in feed production. Nevertheless, the main source of protein remains imported soya meal.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the need to develop an EU protein strategy that should aim to diversify the sources of protein used in food and feed. “The overriding objective is to reduce reliance on external supplies, especially for the feed industry. In our view, it is necessary to analyse protein supply in the context of broader transformation and to set objectives to be achieved across the entire EU,” he stated.

The Secretary of State also informed that Poland was actively participating in the EU debate on reducing dependency on imported GMO soya meal. Despite efforts to promote and support the cultivation of protein crops, interest in domestic protein within the feed industry remains low, indicating a need for broader action at the European level. He further stressed the necessity of increasing support for scientific and breeding research aimed at improving yields and raising protein content in crops.

The European Commission assured that, in preparing the so-called protein plan, it would take into account various protein sources, the needs of animal production, and the requirement to ensure adequate incomes for farmers.

Situation on Agricultural Markets in the Context of the Invasion of Ukraine

The Commission presented the latest information on the state of agri-food markets. Ministers then held a debate aimed at assessing the current situation.

In the context of cooperation with Ukraine, the Deputy Minister underlined the importance of protecting the EU market against disruptions, calling for the implementation of effective regulatory mechanisms, also in relation to fully liberalised products.

With regard to the Mercosur agreement, the Deputy Minister noted that Poland maintained serious reservations about the trade component of the agreement. It is essential to supplement it with an effective backstop mechanism that takes into account the specificities of the agricultural sector. In light of concerns regarding unequal competitive conditions, the Deputy Minister emphasised the necessity of swiftly implementing the Commission’s announced alignment of standards for imported goods with EU requirements.

The Deputy Minister also stated that Poland was awaiting the granting of extraordinary assistance for agricultural producers affected by spring frosts and hailstorms in April and May 2025, which particularly impacted horticultural and arable crops.

Joint Declaration on the Outcome of Negotiations with Ukraine

Under “any other business”, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary presented a joint declaration concerning the outcome of negotiations with Ukraine.

Secretary of State Stefan Krajewski expressed satisfaction that the agreement with Ukraine included a bilateral safeguard clause, which might be triggered in the event of excessive imports from Ukraine disrupting the market in one or more EU Member States.

However, he noted that this clause applied solely to products subject to additional preferences under the new agreement. In his view, there is a lack of mechanisms protecting the market from excessive imports of products already liberalised, such as raspberries or rapeseed.

“Some of the proposed quotas are significantly increased – especially for sugar and honey. For this reason, we reiterate our call for their gradual introduction over a number of years,” Krajewski stated.

He also added that Poland maintained its call for the establishment of a special compensation fund for EU agricultural producers to offset potential losses resulting from excessive imports from Ukraine, modelled on the fund envisaged in the context of the EU–Mercosur agreement.

Urgent Need for Action in the Area of Plant Protection Products

Under “any other business”, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Romania presented a joint note on the urgent need for action in the area of plant protection products.

Secretary of State Stefan Krajewski stressed that the withdrawal of further active substances in plant protection products was becoming an increasing challenge for agriculture. Further limitations on the availability of active substances, without effective alternative solutions, will leave agriculture unable to protect crops effectively, posing a threat to food security.

“I would like to remind you that, during the Polish Presidency, at the meeting of the Heads of Plant Protection Services, we discussed the limitation of the EU’s ability to respond to new threats from quarantine pests. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to meet the import requirements of third countries. Therefore, I encourage the European Commission to review the current solutions regarding the placing on the market of plant protection products,” the Deputy Minister of Agriculture stated.

He also added that Poland supported initiatives which might help reduce the EU’s dependence on fertiliser imports from third countries and increase the strategic autonomy of the EU agricultural sector.Dół formularza