In February 2024, at the invitation of BASF Poland, we took part in a debate on the regulatory challenges facing Polish agriculture. The Association for Sustainable Food and Agriculture in Poland was represented at the event by its Director, Małgorzata Bojańczyk.
The participants in the discussion agreed that the principles of the European Green Deal are sound in principle, but in their concrete provisions they often turn out to be too restrictive and difficult to implement in practice. A dialogue between all stakeholders is therefore necessary and should form the basis for further actions and decisions.
The transition to sustainable production must be adequately compensated for by agricultural producers – as profitability is a prerequisite for the success of the transformation of agricultural and food systems. Nevertheless, sustainable solutions in agriculture are necessary and, in addition to climate and environmental benefits, they also allow for a new business model for farmers, i.e. they open up new prospects for them.
– Małgorzata Bojańczyk pointed out during the debate.
As the panellists emphasised, regulations for farmers and processors should be drawn up on the basis of consultations and opinions of the interested parties themselves, who know the specifics of food production and are able to assess the impact of the proposed solutions on the profitability of agricultural production and, consequently, on the condition of the entire food industry and the food security of consumers. Pro-environmental measures in food production are of course necessary, but their scope should be realistic and economically safe.
Agriculture itself is a balanced system, and any abrupt change in one of the elements of this system can upset this balance. Due to its specific nature and the nature of agricultural innovation, it requires long-term planning. The development and marketing of new active ingredients must anticipate the shape of the regulatory environment many years in advance, which is currently impossible.
– pointed out Jacek Brol of BASF Polska.
The importance of innovation in agriculture can hardly be overestimated because of the opportunities it brings to improve efficiency, increase yields and reduce the use of resources and crop protection products. Current regulatory challenges are another element that the whole industry needs to consider in the context of ensuring economic security, food security and climate and environmental issues.
The debate “Regulatory Challenges for Domestic Agriculture – What Lies Ahead in 2024 and How to Prepare?” featured:
- Jacek Brol – Head of Technical Operations Agricultural Solutions, BASF Polska
- Małgorzata Bojańczyk – Director, Association for Sustainable Food and Agriculture in Poland
- Rafał Strachota – Office Director, National Union of Sugar Beet Growers
- Marcin Mucha – Director, Polish Plant Protection Association
- Andrzej Gantner – Vice President of the Management Board and General Director, Polish Federation of Food Manufacturers
The presenters:
- Anna Zalewska – Advocacy Manager, BASF Polska
- Anna Pietruszyńska – Communication and Sustainability Specialist, BASF Polska
The next meeting on regulatory issues will take place in the autumn after the new objectives of the European Green Deal have been defined and the European institutions have presented concrete solutions for agriculture.