In the rural town of Cywiny Wojskie, Poland, farmer Piotr Korycki is facing the harsh reality of a grain surplus that he cannot sell for a profit, despite hundreds of tons of wheat, rye, and corn accumulated in his warehouse. As the pressure to sell mounts with a new harvest on the horizon, Korycki is among many farmers organizing protests across Europe to bring attention to their struggles. The disruptions in the European agricultural market due to various factors like Russia’s war against Ukraine and EU policies have left Korycki in a difficult position, with no clear solution in sight.
While Korycki’s farm reflects the advancements in agriculture brought about by Poland’s EU membership, he highlights the challenges faced by farmers like himself in navigating a market flooded with surplus grain. The influx of Ukrainian exports, coupled with rising production costs and falling prices, has left Korycki at a loss, with a surplus of 300 tons of grain representing a significant financial setback. Despite his efforts to adapt by exploring alternative markets, Korycki is frustrated by the lack of support and guidance from the EU, raising concerns about the future of farming in Poland and beyond.
As Korycki and other farmers continue to voice their grievances through protests and political engagement, the underlying issue of balancing agricultural sustainability and economic viability remains at the forefront. While policymakers grapple with finding solutions to address farmers’ concerns, the need for comprehensive agricultural policies that consider the impact of climate change is emphasized. As Korycki navigates these challenges, hoping for stability in the aftermath of the Ukraine war and uncertain market conditions, the future of farming in Poland and the EU hangs in the balance, with the voices of farmers like him demanding to be heard and supported.
