Poland's farmers have been disrupting traffic with blockades across the country as part of their ongoing protests against Ukrainian grain imports, claiming they affect their profits, World Grain reported.
On the other hand, Ukraine argues that this move undermines its efforts against the Russian invasion, according to the February 20 report.
Protesters in Medyka opened train carriages, causing grain to fall onto the tracks, according to a Telegram video reported by World Grain. European farmers protest high costs and unfair import competition, voicing concerns about agricultural issues.
After the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukrainian farmers struggle to produce and export grains and oilseeds. Authorities tried to increase exports by rail and truck to overcome the difficulties of transportation across the Black Sea.
In June 2022, as part of its efforts to assist Ukraine, the European Union (EU) waived import duties on Ukrainian grain.
The complex dynamics of Ukrainian agricultural exports in Eastern Europe
Until mid-September last year, the EU allowed five countries – Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia – to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds, allowing them to transition to export elsewhere.
Poland, one of Ukraine's staunchest allies during the war, and its new pro-European government expressed sympathy for the farmers' demands but also asked them not to take steps that could harm Ukraine's war effort, according to the report.
Polish union supports military aid to Ukraine, but will block all passenger traffic across border, not just trucks. Furthermore, they would block ports and highways.
However, Ukraine has stated that its agricultural shipments through Eastern Europe have not affected markets, as written by World Grain.
In response, Ukrainian transporters began their own round-the-clock counter-demonstrations, planned to last until March 15, at three crossing points. Polish minister negotiates import limit with Ukraine until March, reveals report.
Source: Oils & Fats International
