Polish farmers proceed to fight for the protection of their native agriculture. This time, their anger turned to Animex Foods, which they accuse of increased import of pigs from Germany. “We will not let Polish agriculture to be destroyed” - stressed representatives of the Young Farmers Movement. It's getting fast, and emotions are reaching out.
Control in Kutno: Where do the pigs come from?
On Thursday, farmers from the Piotrk region decided to analyse where the pigs were delivered to the slaughterhouse in Kutno. It turned out that Animex Foods brought pigs from Germany. This discovery has caused a storm in the agricultural environment.
"The pigs you bring from Germany can origin foot-and-mouth illness in our country! Where is Veterinary and Ministry of Agriculture? How long are you going to pretend there's no problem? Farmers, taught by the ASF plague, take matters into their own hands. We will not let Polish agriculture to be destroyed!” warns the Young Farmers Movement.
Piotr Kisiel in a commentary on the import of pigs from Germany. Animex, aren't you ashamed? Lying pursues a lie What are you able to do and how low will you fall for your own gain??? The pigs you bring from the territory... pic.twitter.com/70zCZHgrQp
— Young Farmers Movement (@RuchMF) February 14, 2025
Animex Foods responds: ‘This is simply a one-off purchase’
In consequence to the allegations, Animex Foods issued an authoritative message explaining that imports of pigs from Germany represented only about 3% of the company's weekly request for pigs. The company emphasises that this decision was dictated by the deficiency of availability of pigs for fattening on the home marketplace and the request to keep the continuity of production.
"Animex Foods purchased pigs from Germany, accounting for about 3% of the company's weekly request for pigs. The transaction was due to the deficiency of availability of the pigs for fattening on the home marketplace and the request to keep continuity of production and maintenance of supplies. The acquisition was complementary and did not affect the implementation of current contracts with Polish farmers" – the message states.
The company's spokesman, Łukasz Dominik, assures that imports were carried out under strict supervision of the Veterinary Inspection and that the full operation was a one-off operation. Animex Foods besides emphasizes that it continues to base its strategy on cooperation with Polish breeders who are liable for 97% of the company's natural materials base.
Does imports endanger Polish agriculture?
Farmers are afraid that imports of pigs from Germany may hazard spreading infectious diseases specified as foot-and-mouth disease. This is peculiarly dangerous in the context of earlier problems with African swine fever (ASF), which decimated breeding in Poland.
Although Animex Foods ensures that imports were disposable and controlled, farmers request greater transparency and action by the authorities. “Where is Veterinary and Ministry of Agriculture?” asked representatives of the Young Farmers Movement, calling for immediate intervention.
Summary: A dispute that won't stop
The dispute between farmers and Animex Foods shows how delicate the balance in the agricultural marketplace is. On the 1 hand, companies must guarantee the continuity of production, on the another hand, farmers fight for the protection of their interests and the safety of their farms. Can we find a compromise? So far, emotions are high, and dialog seems to be the only solution.
Hasztags: #Agriculture, #AnimexFoods, #ImportTreaty, #Pryszczyca, #ASF, #Polish Farmers, #Safety ofFood, #Veterinary, #Ministry of Agriculture, #Holiday
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Farmers vs Animex Foods: A dispute over the import of pigs from Germany
