Poland Cautious on Ukraine Grain Transit Amid Fears of 2023 Crisis Repeat

Ukraine is seeking to expand the transit of its grain through Polish ports, but the Polish government remains cautious, fearing a repeat of the 2023 grain crisis. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jacek Czerniak stated that while Ukraine wants to increase grain flow, Poland needs to prepare logistically and ensure its own farmers' grain is not delayed.

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Ukrainians are talking to us to increase the amount of their grain passing through our ports, but we are cautious. This also requires logistical preparation. If there is an intensive transfer of Ukrainian grain through Polish ports to third countries, then our farmers' grain will stand in queues.

Poland currently prohibits the direct import of Ukrainian grain into its domestic market under a regulation that aligns with EU rules. However, transit is permitted, provided the grain merely passes through Poland to reach other destinations or ports. The government harbors reservations about this transit, particularly concerning potential queues at grain terminals that could affect Polish producers.

"Grain from Ukraine can pass through Poland, by road transport, then to Germany and third countries. We are cautious about transport through ports, given the need to export Polish grain," Czerniak explained. The 2023 crisis, triggered by a surge in Ukrainian grain imports, led to global price drops and significant protests by Polish farmers, resulting in the resignation of the agriculture minister at the time.

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Grain from Ukraine can pass through Poland, by road transport, then to Germany and to third countries. We are cautious about transport through ports, given the need to export Polish grain.

Despite the strained Polish-Ukrainian relations, Ukraine has returned to negotiations due to severe logistical challenges, including Russian attacks on its ports. Ukraine's export forecast for the 2026/27 season was reduced by 12% due to these attacks. However, Arkadiusz Artyszak, head of Agronomy at SGGW, expressed skepticism about prioritizing Ukrainian oligarchs, questioning the cooperation from Ukraine and the potential risks to Polish farmers. He also raised questions about who would transport the grain and whether transshipment would occur at the border.

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I see no reason why we should put Ukrainian oligarchs in a privileged position. I see no gesture from Ukraine that it wants to build a new quality of cooperation. So I see no reason why we should endanger our farmers. Finally, who is to carry this grain, Ukrainian forwarders, or Polish companies, or should transshipment take place at the border?