Polish Agricultural Sector Grows Amidst Challenges

With its high production potential and rich natural resources, Poland has cemented its place as the largest producer of poultry meat, apples, berries and mushrooms in the European Union (EU).

- Elmarie Helberg

For many years, agri-food products in Polish international trade have been gaining greater significance.

FarmBiz recently got a glimpse of the Polish agricultural industry during a media mission organized by the Polish National Support Centre for Agriculture (KOWR).

International market

Agri-food commodity exports have been experiencing an upward trend since the beginning of 2019. The export value of agri-food commodities amounted to €15,4 billion from January to June 2019, which is 8% higher than the previous year. Imports were approximately 5% higher at a level of €10,4 billion. As a result, the positive trade balance increased by around 17% to €5 billion.

Modern processing technologies, high-quality raw materials, manufacturing of traditional products based on original recipes and active policy in the scope of Polish food promotion, are some of the factors that contribute to the strong position of the agri-food sector in the international arena.

Live animals, as well as meat and derived products, take a major place in the Polish export industry. During the first half of 2019, this product group accounted for 20% (€3,2 billion) of the export value of Polish agri-food products. Red meat and red meat products accounted for 59% of exports in this product group.

From January to June 2019, tobacco and tobacco products also performed well in the export market at €2 billion, indicating a growth of 26% compared to the same period in 2018.