BIG interview: Michał Gulczyński on transforming carrot storage and sustainability

The agricultural industry is under constant pressure to balance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, especially as energy costs and market demands shift. Polfarm, one of the key players in Poland’s vegetable sector, is tackling these challenges head-on by introducing innovative storage methods, precision agriculture, and sustainability-driven practices.

Known for its high-quality carrots and advanced supply chain management, Polfarm has recently developed a new approach to carrot storage that reduces reliance on energy-intensive cold rooms while preserving freshness and quality. This move aligns with the company’s broader vision of enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and maintaining competitive pricing.

To understand how Polfarm is adapting to industry challenges and shaping the future of vegetable production, Fructidor spoke with Michał Gulczyński, Trade Specialist at Polfarm. He shared insights into the company’s latest innovations, sustainability efforts, and strategies for staying ahead in an evolving market.

Fructidor: What are Polfarm’s main products and core activities today?

Michał Gulczyński: Polfarm specializes in fresh vegetables, with high-quality carrots being our flagship product. Our expertise covers the entire supply chain — from cultivation and harvesting to storage, packaging, and distribution. We work closely with contract farmers, implement modern post-harvest management, and invest in innovative storage solutions to ensure top-tier quality for our retail and foodservice partners.

Fructidor: What makes your company different from other agricultural producers?

Michał Gulczyński: Our advantage lies in innovation, quality control, and a fully integrated supply chain. We utilize advanced post-harvest technology to extend shelf life and reduce waste. Additionally, our strong partnerships with major retailers in Poland allow us to deliver consistent quality, high volume, and competitive pricing — factors that set us apart in a competitive market.

Fructidor: Polfarm recently introduced a new storage method for carrots. Can you explain how it works and what benefits it offers?

Michał Gulczyński: To address rising electricity costs, we have developed an alternative carrot storage method. Instead of relying solely on cold storage, part of our harvest is kept in the field under a protective layer of specialized film and straw.

This approach provides several advantages:

-Preserves natural moisture, preventing dehydration.

-Reduces storage-related diseases, maintaining quality.

-Delivers fresher, firmer carrots between February and April when market demand is high.

While this method isn’t necessarily cheaper than traditional cold storage, it allows us to offer premium-quality winter carrots, meeting consumer expectations. Given the rising energy costs and sustainability challenges, we believe this technique has strong potential for wider industry adoption.

Fructidor: Beyond carrot storage, is Polfarm investing in other technological advancements for vegetable production?

Michał Gulczyński: Absolutely. We are constantly exploring new technologies to improve production efficiency and product quality. Some of our key focus areas include:

-Precision agriculture to optimize crop yields.

-Automated sorting and grading systems for consistency.

-Sustainable packaging solutions to minimize waste.

Innovation is key to reducing losses, improving logistics, and adapting to evolving market needs.

Fructidor: Sustainability is a major concern in agriculture. What steps is Polfarm taking to minimize environmental impact?

Michał Gulczyński: Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We implement:

-Precision irrigation to optimize water use.

-Minimal chemical inputs, prioritizing responsible farming.

-Laser labeling instead of stickers to reduce packaging waste.

-Eco-friendly logistics, improving transport efficiency to cut carbon emissions.

We believe sustainability shouldn’t compromise efficiency, and we’re committed to balancing both.

Fructidor: Are you seeing increased demand for organic or regenerative agriculture products?

Michał Gulczyński: Rather than focusing strictly on organic certification, we strongly believe in zero-residue vegetables — products that contain no detectable pesticide residues. These are just as safe and healthy as organic options but are more affordable and accessible. As consumer demand for clean, sustainable food grows, we are expanding our zero-residue segment to provide high-quality, safe vegetables at a reasonable price.

Fructidor: What’s next for Polfarm? Any upcoming projects or expansions?

Michał Gulczyński: Our main priority is achieving energy independence. To this end, we are planning to build a photovoltaic farm and a biogas plant, which will lower energy costs and make our operations more sustainable. Additionally, we are exploring international markets for expansion, looking to bring our high-quality vegetables to a broader audience.

Fructidor: If you could change one thing about the agricultural industry today, what would it be?

Michał Gulczyński: One of the biggest issues is the unequal distribution of risks and profits in the supply chain. Farmers often bear most of the financial burden, while retailers hold greater market power. To create a fairer system, we believe that at least 20% of vegetables in retail stores should be Grade 2 produce — slightly imperfect but equally nutritious. This would reduce food waste and support more sustainable farming practices.

Fructidor: What message would you like to share with growers, suppliers, and retailers looking to improve their post-harvest strategies?

Michał Gulczyński: Efficiency, innovation, and sustainability must go hand in hand. Investing in advanced storage, waste reduction, and data-driven decision-making is key to long-term success. One critical factor often overlooked is crop rotation — essential for soil health, disease prevention, and optimizing post-harvest quality. By integrating best agricultural practices, the industry can ensure higher yields, better sustainability, and a more resilient food system. At Polfarm, we believe that collaboration between farmers, suppliers, and retailers is the key to a more efficient and sustainable agricultural future.

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