Farmers force Polish pork giant Animex to apologise

Around noon on Wednesday, farmers from the Piotrków region belonging to the NSZZ „Solidarność“ RI organised a warning protest in front of the „Animex“ concern in Kutno. The protesters arrived just before noon, at 11am, but, as the organisers stress, their main aim was not to block the factory's operations, but to initiate a dialogue with the largest pork market player in Poland.

According to Janusz Terka, leader of „Solidarność“ in the Piotrków region, the farmers are seeking to clarify the reasons for the current crisis in the pork market. „We are not blocking the plant. We want to talk about what is really happening on the market and what are the reasons for the dramatic situation in the pork sector“, – said Mr Terka.

„Animex“ is one of the most important and largest players on the Polish meat market and therefore has a significant influence on prices. Farmers hope that the group's management will listen to their arguments and find constructive solutions.

Representatives of „Animex“ also came to talk to the farmers and engaged in a discussion with them.

The market situation is complicated by the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boars, confirmed in Spain last week. This could have a significant impact on the whole European pig meat market. If the disease spreads to this part of Europe, part of the Spanish pigmeat may be banned for export to third countries, leaving large quantities of production inside the EU.

Spain has already been importing pork into Poland and more imports may now be coming. This is a real threat to the Polish market, according to farmers.

The protest outside the „Animex“ branch in Kutno is peaceful.