The European Commission is evaluating restrictions on poultry exports from Polish regions affected by bird flu outbreaks, with potential measures set to begin on April 23. Polish Agricultural Minister Czes?aw Siekierski addressed the issue at a press conference on April 11, stating: “Talks are underway on this matter. There is a proposal to ban poultry exports from] designated areas. It is still too early to talk about a threat [to Poland’s poultry industry.”

Initially, a full embargo on Poland’s poultry was considered, but negotiations shifted to targeting regions like northern Mazovia and Wielkopolska, which account for 40% of the country’s poultry production, according to local reports. In 2023, Poland, Europe’s top poultry exporter, produced 3.5 million tonnes, with 2 million tonnes exported, 69% to EU countries. The proposed restrictions could significantly impact this industry.

Since early 2024, Poland has reported 75 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, prompting the European Commission’s concerns. Dariusz Goszczyński, president of the National Poultry Chamber of Commerce, warned: “Bird flu has been attacking various countries for years with varying intensity, but the European Commission has never introduced restrictions on such a scale. The consequences will be terrible; the losses will amount to billions of z?oty.” He highlighted that even short-term restrictions on regions like Wielkopolska could devastate the sector.

The restrictions, if implemented, would force Poland to dispose of millions of hatching eggs, halt production at numerous poultry farms, and empty hen houses for months. Goszczyński noted: “As a result of the ban, Poland will have to dispose of millions of eggs that are ready to hatch, empty the hen houses, and suspend production at many poultry farms for several months.” This could jeopardize Poland’s global market position, allowing competitors to fill the gap.

The poultry industry, a cornerstone of Poland’s agricultural economy, faces significant financial risks from these potential measures. The European Commission’s focus on affected regions aims to balance disease control with economic considerations, but the scale of the proposed restrictions is unprecedented. Local stakeholders are bracing for substantial losses and market disruptions if the bans are enforced.

Poland’s poultry sector is navigating a challenging period, with the outcome of ongoing negotiations critical to its future. The industry’s ability to adapt to these restrictions while maintaining its export dominance will be key to mitigating the impact. The European Commission’s final decision will shape the trajectory of Poland’s poultry market in the coming months.