Czarniak: Expanding Markets Must Benefit Farmers Too

Poland’s pork industry is experiencing growth in new export markets. However, local producers remain concerned about lower prices compared to Germany. Bartosz Czarniak, spokesman for the Polish Union of Producers and Distributors of Meat (PZHiPTCh Polsus), emphasizes the potential threat to production viability and the future of the sector.

Concerns Over Price Disparities

Czarniak notes that the price difference can be as much as 1 zł per kilogram. Currently, prices in Poland range between 5.30 and 5.60 zł/kg for Class E meat. This significant gap with German pricing could jeopardize profitability for Polish farmers.

Export Success Linked to Quality

According to Czarniak, the key to successful expansion into international markets lies in the quality of Polish pork. The meat industry has been able to attract attention in various markets, including Spain. Czarniak asserts that the quality of Polish pork is among the highest globally.

• Poland exports pork to countries such as Spain.
• High-quality products are crucial for capturing foreign markets.

Future Sustainability at Risk

Czarniak warns that ignoring price challenges may lead to a raw material shortage. He questions the viability of expanding into new markets if the necessary resources are not available for production. Experts agree that supporting producers is essential to maintaining high-quality standards.

Importance of Producer Support

To uphold quality, factors such as enhanced animal welfare, balanced production methods, and genetics focusing on meat flavor are critical. Without these elements, Poland risks becoming just another mass producer, lacking distinctiveness in the global market for pork.

• Producer support is vital for maintaining quality standards.
• Without producers, high-quality meat cannot be ensured.

In summary, while Poland’s pork market is expanding internationally, the emphasis must shift towards ensuring that local farmers receive fair prices. Without this balance, the industry may face significant challenges ahead.