Agriculture Minister tenders his resignation amidst grain surplus crisis

Polish Agriculture Minister Henryk Kowalczyk announced his resignation on Wednesday after the Polish government failed to secure a protective clause against tariff-free, quota-free wheat imports from Ukraine. Kowalczyk had promised farmers that the government would invoke the clause. However, on March 31, the European Commission rejected Poland's request for the clause and instead authorized imports until June 5, 2024. Kowalczyk had been facing criticism from farmers for his handling of the issue, including advising them against selling their crops in 2022 due to the flooding of the Polish market with Ukrainian wheat. Kowalczyk has been in the position since October 2021 and had previously served as Minister of Environment and as a member of the Council of Ministers.

Media reports suggest that PiS MP Robert Telus will replace him.

Source: ISBnews