Poland again delays ban on GMO feed, setting new deadline for 2030

POLAND – In a move highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture, Poland has once again postponed the implementation of its ban on GMO feed. 

The ban, originally slated for enforcement on January 1, 2025, has now been pushed back to January 1, 2030. 

This decision comes after years of delays since the original ban was adopted in 2006.

The recent amendments to Poland’s national feed regulation, approved by the Polish Council of Ministers on July 30, reflect growing concerns within the feed industry about the potential disruption a ban could cause. 

Industry organizations have repeatedly warned that the country lacks viable alternatives to GMO feed, particularly in producing high-protein animal feeds like soybean meal.

Government officials have expressed a commitment to align with European Union trends to reduce reliance on GMO products and enhance protein independence in the feed market. 

However, they acknowledged that achieving this goal requires significant time and adjustment within the industry.

The postponement is intended to give the Polish feed sector time to adapt. According to the government, the delay will allow companies to rebuild supply chains, modify production systems, and adjust to new feed recipes and technological processes. 

The Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that replacing imported soybean meal with domestic high-protein feed materials that meet industry standards will take considerable effort and time.

Moreover, the Ministry highlighted the ban’s competitive implications, stating that without the delay, Poland’s poultry and pig industries could lose their edge in European and global markets. 

Polish agricultural products are currently among the most competitively priced in the EU, a factor that has solidified the country’s strong position in the market.

While leading agricultural organizations in Poland have yet to respond to the government’s decision formally, the National Poultry Council, a key advocate for the postponement, is expected to welcome the news. 

The Council had previously argued that earlier enforcement of the ban could have severely impacted Poland’s status as Europe’s top poultry exporter, potentially disrupting trade with international partners.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.