Polish meat exports set to soar thanks to low prices

Polish meat companies could go on a massive $2 billion investment spree this year, as meat exports to the EU is likely to increase by as much as 30%-40%. The investment effort will be supported by EU funding from the SAPARD fund. For example ZM Duda from Grąbków has just signed a contract with Agriculture Restructuring and Modernization Agency (ARiMR) for a zł.9.9 million grant from SAPARD. Dairy companies such as Mlekpol from Grajewo and Mlekovita are also on the investment offensive, planning to spend some zł.50 million each this year. Despite the recent price hikes, Polish meat remains cheaper than that in EU countries, particularly in the Wielkopolskie and Mazowieckie voivodships. Nearly three months after accession, Polish pork is cheaper than the average EU price by EUR 4 per kilo. The poultry sector is also booming with Poland offering the lowest prices in the EU, with the exception of Lithuania, which is a much smaller supplier. (Rzeczpospolita, p.A1, B1) T.J.