Representatives from the Polish industry and government emphasized that such a day is intended to highlight the importance of meat consumption in daily life. Poland has a large exporting poultry industry, which is under pressure from EU animal welfare regulations.
Agriculture Minister Czesław Siekierski spoke at the congress about the very dynamic development of the Polish poultry and beef sectors. He referred to poultry meat production, more than 50% of which is exported.
"The situation in the pig sector is more difficult, as we now have only about 8.5 million animals left, but we are doing everything to change that," he said, referring to the effects of the long-standing African swine fever on the vast Polish countryside.
During the meat congress in Warsaw, Polish organizations pointed to the increasing regulations from the EU and the impact of changing consumer preferences. Minister Siekierski indicated that the Polish EU presidency offers an opportunity to put such issues on the agenda in Brussels.
In recent years, the previous Polish national-conservative PiS government attempted to tighten animal welfare rules but abandoned these efforts following extensive farmer protests. Since last year, a civil-liberal coalition led by former EU Commissioner Tusk has been in power in Warsaw.
Siekierski indicated that his ministry will continue to support livestock farming. With the upcoming Polish EU presidency in the first half of 2025, he called the strategic importance of the agricultural sector evident.
Siekierski said he will again advocate dismantling Green Deal agreements as far as they concern agriculture and food. He also wants to promote export support and curb the consequences of agricultural imports.