Polish farmers concerned about Ukrainian agrifood exports - Polish agriculture minister

MOSCOW. Jan 16 (Interfax) - Polish farmers are concerned about Ukrainian agrifood exports, Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski said at a video conference with European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on Monday, as Ukrainian media have reported with reference to pap.pl.

Siekierski and Dombrovskis discussed the EU's support for Ukraine, including trade-related measures and the European Commission's intention to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine until June 2025. Siekierski reiterated Poland's commitment to supporting Ukraine at all levels, while at the same time saying that Polish farmers were concerned about Ukrainian agrifood imports, European Commission Spokesperson Olof Gill said.

Siekierski reaffirmed that the new Polish government and the Ukrainian authorities are maintaining and will maintain regular bilateral contacts, Gill said.

Dombrovskis wrote on his social account following his conversation with Siekierski, "The European Commission will continue to support Ukraine's economy while being mindful of concerns of Polish farmers in relation to Ukrainian agrifood imports."

As reported, the Polish government is opposed to extending the European Commission's trade liberalization measures for Ukraine unless stronger protective measures are guaranteed for the markets of the EU countries bordering Ukraine. Poland originally demanded quotas on eggs, poultry meat, and sugar, which Brussels opposed, and Warsaw is now seeking such guarantees.