The minister’s announced subsidy program for sows is raising concerns in the livestock industry. Sector representatives point out that only a small group of breeders may be able to benefit from the support, as it is to be provided under the de minimis limit. Many pig producers have already used their available limit, particularly farms located in areas subject to restrictions related to ASF.
- If someone has used de minimis aid, then at this point they will not be able to benefit, but this aid is renewed, because I have had conversations with farmers who initially said, "I won't take this aid because I have already exhausted the limit," but now, speaking in recent days, they say, "my limit has been renewed; we want an increase." And this is also what we are fighting for at the European Commission: a higher de minimis aid limit. Unfortunately, it is not possible to fund this from other sources, because that is considered prohibited state aid," the minister replied to our question asked during a visit to Wojciech Styburski’s farm in Kobylin municipality, Greater Poland.
As the minister further explains, it is difficult at this stage to determine how many breeders will ultimately benefit from the program, because some farmers have already used their de minimis aid limit, including for
- biosecurity,
- interest subsidies on loans
- land purchases.
The final number of beneficiaries will be known only after applications open. The minister also notes that, if financial resources allow, the ministry will seek to continue support in the coming years. In this context, the minister also points to individual animal identification, which is to be one of the conditions for receiving support. From 22 October, farmers will be able to apply for subsidies of 1000 zł for each registered sow. Aid will also be available for the purchase of breeding gilts – 2000 zł per animal, paid in two installments.
As the minister emphasizes, the scope for further support for breeders will depend, among other things, on the available financial resources. The agriculture budget in 2027 is expected to amount to around 76 billion zł, similar to 2026. By comparison, in 2023 it amounted to 67 billion zł.
We have completed and settled the RDP for 2014–2020 and made good use of the funds under the KPO. At present, we are focusing on making wise use of the funds and carrying out all the necessary interventions under the Strategic Plan for 2023–2027. Even today, however, we are fighting to secure the largest possible budget for agriculture, food processing and rural areas after 2027, that is, for the 2028–2034 perspective, the minister points out.
