Feb 24, 2026
EU-Mercosur agreement and bird flu outbreak impact Polish poultry farmers
The Polish poultry industry is currently grappling with significant challenges due to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and a severe bird flu outbreak. These developments threaten to drastically alter the landscape for poultry farmers in Poland, a major player in Europe's poultry export market.
Economic Impact of EU-Mercosur Agreement
The EU-Mercosur trade agreement poses a substantial threat to Polish poultry farmers by enabling increased imports from Latin America. Analysts predict that by 2030, the income of Polish poultry farms operating on areas of 10-50 hectares could decrease by up to 40%. This downturn is expected to lead to a wave of consolidation, with many medium-sized farms potentially disappearing. The agreement is anticipated to halve the net profit for Polish poultry farmers, with average profits dropping from PLN 0.52 (EUR 0.12) per kilogram to PLN 0.26 (EUR 0.06) per kilogram. Consequently, Poland's poultry exports are projected to decline by EUR 225 million annually, endangering between 15,000 and 30,000 jobs.
Bird Flu Outbreak Challenges
In addition to economic pressures, Poland is experiencing its worst bird flu outbreak in two years, particularly affecting the Wielkopolska and Lublin regions. Nearly 1.5 million laying hens have been culled in response to the outbreak, which is the 19th incident this year. The Polish chief veterinary inspectorate has dispatched a special team to investigate and support local efforts to control the spread of the virus. The outbreak has already led to import restrictions from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, further complicating Poland's poultry trade.
Future Implications
The combined impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement and the bird flu outbreak presents a daunting scenario for Polish poultry farmers. While the broader Polish economy might benefit from the trade agreement through gains in other sectors such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, the agricultural sector is poised to suffer significant losses. The Polish Agricultural Ministry has urged farmers to maintain strict veterinary discipline to mitigate further losses and has warned against purchasing animals from unreliable sources.
In conclusion, the Polish poultry industry is at a critical juncture, facing both economic and health-related challenges that require strategic adaptation and support to ensure its sustainability.