53. Poland: 21 years of Common Agricultural Policy

Since January 1st, Poland has held the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. So, this is an opportunity for Food for Europe to focus on the Polish agricultural sector. Polish farming has undergone profound changes since the country joined the EU 21 years ago. Under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, the average size of farms has increased, farmers are specializing more, and their products have conquered the shelves of the common market. As a result, in 2023, Poland was the fifth largest contributor to the European agricultural sector, behind France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In the 53rd episode of the podcast dedicated to agriculture, farming and food, Jacek Zarzecki, a cattle breeder and expert with the European Commission, talks to us about his sector, its strengths, but also its weaknesses and industry concerns. Magdalena Nowicka, Deputy Director of the Direct Payments Department at the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses measures to cut red tape implemented by her teams. Professor Marek Wigier of the Warsaw-based Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics explains the transformation of the Polish agricultural sector and the opportunities ahead. Finally, Arkadiusz Mazur, Programme Officer at the Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses the transformation of the Polish agricultural sector and the opportunities ahead within the EU.