On Sunday, Minister of Agriculture Czesław Siekierski met with farmers and agricultural organizations at the Agricultural Advisory Centre in Łosiów in the Opole region.
Any product or raw material that has been in contact with flood water cannot be used for human consumption or for animal feed. It must also be disposed of in a specific manner. This is very important information when it comes to safety issues.
– the head of the Ministry of Agriculture reminded at the meeting. Such products can only be intended for industrial purposes.
Food affected by flood water must be disposed of. Ministry of Agriculture on inspections
Czesław Siekierski in Łosiów also pointed out that inspections by the relevant services that are supposed to monitor food after contact with flood water are important. – Although there may be attempts to circumvent the regulations, decisive control is necessary – the head of the Ministry of Agriculture said.
– They must be disposed of properly, which creates logistical challenges because they often require special procedures. Another problem is the rapid development of mold and the possibility of damaged seeds germinating, which further complicates the disposal process – said the minister.
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates the losses. Tens of thousands of hectares have been affected
– Provincial committees and agricultural chambers have started to identify losses in order to estimate the scale of damage as soon as possible and begin remedial actions – said Siekierski.
The Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture together with the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management on the basis of maps Satellite data has already determined the areas of agricultural land that were flooded as a result of the flood.
– This is 68 thousand ha in total in the whole of Poland, of which about 25 thousand ha are areas with plant production, where compensation will be needed. This is mainly corn production, primarily for grain. This also applies to soy, potatoes and sugar beet and new rapeseed crops – informed Deputy Minister Adam Nowak. Czesław Siekierski also informed that we are not dealing with losses in terms of livestock numbers, all animals have been evacuated.
However, buildings have been significantly damaged and farmers will gradually restore their production potential. In addition, in relation to the challenges related to animal production, veterinary services will monitor flood areas for diseases that may be facilitated by the flood situation.
Not only crop losses are subject to assessment, but also building, machinery, grain storage facilities, and means of production. Based on these maps and analyses ARiMR will prepare data for estimating damages and paying compensation.
Help for farmers. Minister on where and how to get it
The aid is distributed through three channels, using the local structures of Agricultural Advisory Centres, the National Support Centre for Agriculture and the Agricultural Chambers.
Deputy Minister Adam Nowak emphasized that, first of all, the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development decided to guarantee the safety of those farms that conduct animal production. Among the most urgent needs were issues related to providing feed, drinking water and access to electricity to enable milking animals.
– In terms of ensuring access to feed, we have prepared points in the Opole province: at the Pedigree Breeding Centre in Głogówek, at the Prudnik Stud Farm, at the Arenda farm in Charbielin and in Paczków. It is important that the aid, which flows thanks to the support of the National Council of Agricultural Chambers, agricultural organisations and also from unorganised farmers from all over the country, reaches those who have the greatest and most urgent needs in this regard – informed Adam Nowak.
– Help is necessary, help will be provided. Unfortunately, we must be aware that this help will certainly not fully cover costs. We will ensure that the damage estimation process runs smoothly, so that farmers can quickly receive financial assistance – emphasized Minister Czesław Siekierski.
Deputy Minister Adam Nowak reminded that among the forms of aid are exemptions from contributions or fees to which farmers are subject. All types of inspections have also been suspended, except those related to food safety, feed and animal protection, in order to relieve farmers. Chemical-agricultural stations will conduct free soil tests in flood areas.
Czesław Siekierski recalled that in addition to the coordination of activities in post-flood areas and preparations for the payment of aid from the national budget, negotiations are continuing at the EU level.
– On Tuesday, September 17, I contacted the European Commission application for help and the release of funds from the agricultural reserve to support farmers whose farms suffered as a result of the flood – said the head of the Ministry of Agriculture. – I think that after the visit of President Ursula von der Leyen there will be a positive attitude to more of this help – added Czesław Siekierski.
The Minister of Agriculture assured that the aid will be implemented with maximum acceleration and simplification of procedures, so that farmers can restore the production potential of their farms as quickly as possible.