Polish Dairy Sector Seeks Strategic Status for Crisis Security, Eyes Asian Markets

Poland's dairy sector, a significant contributor to the nation's food exports, is urging the government to designate dairy plants as strategic entities. This designation would guarantee continued operation, including access to electricity and transportation, even during wartime or other severe crises.

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Very helpful would be trade advisors in these countries.

Agnieszka Maliszewska, president of the Polish Dairy Chamber, stressed that food production is intrinsically linked to national defense, questioning who would feed soldiers if production falters. The industry is also eyeing new export markets, particularly in Asia, with Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia showing promise. Maliszewska noted the critical need for trade advisors in these countries to facilitate market entry.

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Food production is a matter of national defense – because who will feed the soldiers?

The call for enhanced production security has gained urgency following recent events, such as drone attacks near Poland's borders. Maliszewska highlighted that food security is a paramount concern for consumers, processors, and farmers alike. She pointed to the European Commission's focus on food security mechanisms since 2020, noting that other EU nations are actively preparing for potential food crises.

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This is an extremely important topic, which we in the dairy industry repeat in all possible ways. It is not only about our safety as consumers, it is about our safety as processors and as farmers.

Maliszewska explained that the dairy industry is in discussions with the government to incorporate food production risks into the national security strategy. This includes planning for scenarios involving disruptions in raw material supply, transportation, and processing capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic also underscored these vulnerabilities, revealing risks throughout the supply chain, from fuel for transport to the potential impact of outbreaks on plant operations.

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When Russia attacked Ukraine, all EU countries began to discuss how to ensure the food security of the European Union if we were attacked, and we as Poland are closest to this conflict, so this dimension of security, not only military security but food security, is extremely important.