– I highly appreciate the invitation to participate in the discussion on the future of food systems and sustainable trade, since today they are among the key challenges facing Europe and the world. Poland has consistently defined the agri-food sector as a strategic sector for food security, and thus for the stability of countries and the resilience of our economies to global crises – stressed Adam Nowak during the conference. 

During his speech, the Deputy Minister pointed to a change in the approach to the role of agriculture and production of food. The sector cannot be perceived solely from the perspective of the economy, but as a foundation for the stability of countries in the face of climate change, geopolitical tensions and global crises. 

– Food security is a pillar of the functioning of our countries, on a par with military, energy or health security. In this perspective, the producer of food becomes a partner in protecting European stability and not just the recipient of regulations – he indicated. 

SPS agreement under negotiation – an opportunity to improve trade conditions 

During the conference, the key issues related to agri-food trade between the European Union and the United Kingdom were also discussed, including the impact of Brexit, administrative barriers and challenges faced by small and medium-sized exporters.  

In this context, the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement currently being negotiated between the European Union and the United Kingdom is of particular importance. Adam Nowak highlighted the importance of the United Kingdom as Poland’s strategic trading partner and pointed to the need to simplify trade procedures. 

– Today, we have a real chance to make EU-UK trade simpler, more predictable and based on partnership. The sanitary and phytosanitary agreement under negotiation may become the foundation of this model of cooperation, and we perceive it as a key tool for the simplification of procedures. We know very well that cutting red tape is what entrepreneurs expect in every country – said Deputy Minister Nowak. 

Bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the United Kingdom 

During his visit to London, Deputy Minister Nowak also met with Angela Eagle, Undersecretary of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the issues related to Polish–British cooperation in the field of agriculture, in particular trade in agri-food products. Deputy Minister Nowak stressed that the United Kingdom was a strategic partner for Poland and our cooperation remained fruitful despite Brexit. The United Kingdom remains the second largest recipient of Polish food and our largest partner outside the European Union. Poland wants trade to be as symmetrical as possible and bring benefits to both parties. 

Deputy Minister Nowak pointed to the difficulties faced by Polish entrepreneurs – in particular, small and medium-sized companies – after the introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) procedure. In practice, the BTOM system has now become the major barrier to trade in agri-food products with the United Kingdom. 

Therefore, Poland attaches great importance to the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement currently being negotiated between the European Union and the United Kingdom. We perceive it as a key tool allowing to simplify procedures, increase predictability of trade and gradually return to conditions similar to those before Brexit. At the same time, we want to maintain high standards of food safety. The SPS Agreement could significantly reduce certification obligations and border checks on commodities, which would benefit both entrepreneurs and administrations of both parties. Stable, transparent and proportionate rules for agri-food trade are in our common interest. Poland remains ready for further dialogue and cooperation in this regard. 

– We hope that the conclusion of the agreement will significantly simplify procedures and reduce the costs of trade in agri-food products between the EU and the UK. This is important for Polish companies – summed up Deputy Minister Nowak. 

More about the Sustainable Foods 2026 conference 

Sustainable Foods 2026 is an international conference organised with the aim to accelerating the transformation of the global food system. The event brings together representatives of governments, business, the world of science and investors, creating a space for dialogue and developing systemic, long-term solutions. The agenda of the conference includes, among others, issues of food security, financing of transformation, regenerative agriculture, climate neutrality, innovative technologies and reducing food waste. The objective of the event is to build resilient, fair and sustainable food systems on a global scale.