In Poland, strawberry growers believe that this season will be more difficult

Among the member countries of the EU, Poland is the 3rd producer of strawberries behind Spain and Germany. In the period 2014 to 2020, the Polish strawberry production varied from 146,000 tons to 205,000 tons and the exported volume varied between 54% and 70% of the total production. In 2021, production was estimated at 156,000 tonnes and the volume exported at 102,000 tonnes, including 19,200 tonnes of fresh strawberries and 82,800 tonnes of frozen strawberries.

 

Poland is the world's leading exporter of frozen strawberries. In the period 2014 to 2020, the exported volume varied between 80,000 and 120,000 tonnes of frozen strawberries and in 2021 around 88% of the exported volume was sent to the EU, mainly to Germany, the Netherlands and France. The export of fresh strawberries reaches lower levels, with around 6,000 to 19,000 tons during the period 2014-2020. Mainly to countries outside the EU.

 

This year, Polish professionals are faced with production costs (plants, fertilizers, energy, etc.) that are much higher than in previous years, which will impact farm profitability. In addition, this year the conflict in Ukraine has stopped the flow of seasonal workers and Polish producers now fear that they will not have enough people to harvest. This 2022 season will be much more difficult than the previous ones.

 

 

In Poland, the strawberry season begins at the beginning of the 2nd quarter thanks to greenhouse cultivation and extends until the end of autumn. Polish production is carried out mainly on small family farms, managing plantations with an area of ​​1 to 10 hectares.