Poland, Ukraine in talks to resume food, grain transit

Poland and Ukraine will continue negotiations to try to resume food and grain transit, the Polish authorities said on Tuesday. 

“We are negotiating with the European Union, as well as with Ukraine, to find solutions. We want these products to go to Europe, but to its depths”, said the Polish Minister of Agriculture Robert Tellus.

Poland and Ukraine held talks on Monday over bans imposed by central and eastern European countries seeking to protect their farmers from the influx of cheaper Ukrainian grain.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, the Black Sea ports have been blocked, and a large amount of Ukrainian grain is stuck in Central Europe due to logistical problems. The Polish government banned the import of grain and other food from Ukraine a few days ago. After that, Hungary also introduced similar restrictions. Slovakia will also suspend imports of grain and other products from Ukraine, while Bulgaria is considering a ban.

Import of Ukrainian grains, dairy products, sugar, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and other food products was banned until June 30, as well as their transit. 

This move by Warsaw followed several months of farmers’ unrest, which was preceded by the resignation of the Minister of Agriculture Henrik Kowalczyk.