Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: The Polish government is investing in new technology to help its farmers expand production and become more efficient, creating opportunities for Wisconsin companies.
Poland is investing in its farmers, pledging to contribute funds that will help small farmers become more productive and more successful through the use of technology.
Poland’s government says it will spend more than €25 billion ($27.2 billion USD) between 2023 and 2027 to help small farms expand, install renewable energy equipment, provide animal welfare improvements, and protect against animal disease. About 90% of the money will come from the European Union (EU).
The sixth largest country in the EU, Poland has about 1.3 million farms, according to the government’s 2020 Agricultural Census. The average farm was 11.1 hectares, or about 27 acres, with 24 cows and 133 pigs. While the number of farms decreased by 190,000 over the previous decade, the size of the farms and their animal herds increased over that period, the census showed. Farming occupies about 50% of Poland’s land.
A 2019 report by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) said Poland is the largest producer of poultry and apples and the second-largest potato grower in the EU, and ranks third in production of sugar beets, rapeseed, and pork. Poland’s largest grain crop is wheat, and its milk production is also significant.
In 2021, total U.S. exports of agricultural and related products to Poland were valued at a record $566 million, a 12% increase over 2020, according to the ITA. Poland also is one of the largest fish processors in the EU and imports nearly 95% of the seafood it processes.
Poland’s government wants to keep agribusiness production levels high by incorporating Agriculture 4.0 technology into its farms to optimize production, reduce pollution, and accelerate precision farming.
Wisconsin companies with farm technology solutions may find increasing interest from Poland’s agribusiness market.
Agro Show is the country’s leading trade show, to be held Sept. 22-24, 2023, in Bednary.