The future of the CAP and record use of EU funds

During the visit, Commissioner Hansen took part in the 20^th meeting of the Monitoring Committee for RDP 2014–2020, during which the effects of the programme were summarised. The Commissioner congratulated Poland on the effective implementation of EU funds – Poland used the budget at an impressive level of 99.73%, which translates into nearly PLN 81 billion of support paid to more than 1.3 million beneficiaries.

During the talks on the new financial perspective post-2027, the proposal to increase funds for Poland to a minimum level of EUR 33.6 billion was discussed. Minister Krajewski stressed that the key challenge was to provide the largest possible budget for agriculture and processing, while taking into account climate challenges such as droughts and ground frost.

Support for young farmers and generational renewal

The first day of the National Field Days in Szepietowo was the Young Farmer’s Day.

Minister Krajewski reminded about the ongoing call for applications regarding setting-up aid for young farmers, which amounts to up to PLN 300 thousand for livestock production and PLN 200 thousand for crop production.

– The funds allocated for generational renewal, support for young farmers, development of processing and livestock production are extremely important for Poland and constitute a good basis for the further strengthening of the competitiveness of our agriculture – stressed Minister Stefan Krajewski.

Commissioner Hansen highlighted that Poland was a European leader in generational renewal – 21% of farmers in Poland are under 40 and every fourth young farmer in the EU comes from Poland. He also announced measures that would close the financial gap in access to capital for young people starting to manage their farms.

– On a scale of the whole European Union, the financial gap in this area is estimated at about EUR 14.2 billion, which is unacceptable. We should remember that investing in young farmers means investing in the future of European food security – stressed Commissioner Hansen.

Development of the dairy sector and protection of regional products

An important part of the visit was a visit to the Sectoral Skills Centre in Wysokie Mazowieckie. Commissioner Hansen met there with representatives of the dairy industry so as to discuss income stabilisation and special strategy for the livestock sector, being currently under development.

There was also a discussion on strengthening the system of geographical indications. The European Commission (EC) is preparing an action plan for the development of those indications which is to increase income in rural areas and protect culinary heritage. Poland actively participates in this process by submitting further applications for registration to the EC, among others, for polska gęś owsiana (Polish oat goose), jabłka krajeńskie (Krajeńskie apples) and kiełbasa pradziada z Dukli (great-grandparent’s sausage from Dukla).

Aid in the face of crises and fertiliser support

During the meetings, the issue of the rising costs of production was also discussed. The European Commission decided to increase the aid budget, thanks to which more than EUR 1.6 billion would be allocated to support the market of fertilisers all over the EU.

– The important challenge remains the prices of fertilisers which have risen by 17% since 2024. In response, the European Commission will allocate EUR 540 million for fertiliser support. The Member States will be able to increase this amount by up to 200%, which potentially gives up to EUR 1.6 billion of support – announced Commissioner Christophe Hansen.

Poland could potentially be the second largest beneficiary of this aid, after Spain. In addition, it has been confirmed that advance payments of direct payments could be made, which is aimed at improving the financial liquidity of farms affected by the consequences of ongoing geopolitical conflicts and adverse weather conditions.

– Thank you for listening to the needs of the Member States. We appreciate the decision to increase the budget for fertiliser support and look forward to the final arrangements on the method of its execution. Poland is ready to implement this programme efficiently – stressed Minister Stefan Krajewski, thanked the Commissioner for direct dialogue with farmers in the region and emphasised that a strong European Union needed strong Polish agriculture.