On 29 January 2024, at the invitation of the Polish Food Economy Federation, we participated in the 3rd Food Producers’ Forum. The theme of the event was the challenges of implementing a sustainable food production system. The Association for Sustainable Food and Agriculture in Poland was represented by its Director, Małgorzata Bojańczyk.
Today’s meeting is an excellent opportunity to discuss the current situation and challenges on individual agricultural markets among representatives of branch organisations of the agri-food sector and to develop joint actions, taking into account the broadly understood policy of the European Union. The main topic of today’s discussion is the problem of market stability and the lack of profitability of production. Over the past year we have seen, on the one hand, an increase in input prices and, on the other, a fall in the prices of agricultural products. And that determines profitability.
– Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said at the meeting.
In his speech, he also stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is committed to a broad form of dialogue with various agricultural organisations and trade unions. As he pointed out,
I think it is important to listen to what farmers are saying, what the industries are saying, what the situation is and how we can work together.
Małgorzata Bojańczyk took part in the session ‘Assessment, Challenges for Industries and Necessary Actions in Terms of Food Security of Poland Taking into Account Sustainable Production and the Situation in Ukraine’.
The need to transform food systems towards sustainability is undeniable. Policy makers, agricultural producers, business and academic communities, as well as society and we as consumers, have a major stake in the success of this transformation. Creating transparent, resilient and robust food systems is also key to achieving food security. This means that agriculture and food production must be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
– said Małgorzata Bojańczyk in her speech.
Today, the profitability of agricultural production comes to the fore, not only because of the geopolitical situation, but also because of the need to support the transition to sustainability with innovation and technology. However, transitioning production with the support of precision farming solutions requires additional financial support and appropriate targeting of Common Agricultural Policy resources. We must also remember to support vulnerable groups. Today, the psychological well-being of female farmers and support for women in the agri-food sector is an equally important issue.
– stressed Malgorzata Bojańczyk.
This year’s third edition of the Food Producers’ Forum was attended by representatives of the most important professional organisations in and around the food sector, as well as scientists, politicians and representatives of distribution and trade.