Apples from Poland to enter PH market soon, says agri minister

Apples from Poland are expected to enter the Philippine market soon following the completion of bilateral arrangements, Polish Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Stefan Krajewski announced Thursday.

“We are happy to announce that we will be selling Polish apples pretty soon,” Krajewski said in an exclusive interview with GMA News.

He said Poland and the Philippines had also discussed the possible entry of other Polish agricultural products, including wheat, onions and blueberries.

Krajewski said both countries aims to implement the new arrangements within 2026 or possibly in 2027.

The announcement marks progress from earlier negotiations. On July 14, Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture said preparations and bilateral arrangements for the export of Polish apples to the Philippines were still being carried out.

Poland, a Central European member of the European Union, is already a major source of poultry products for the Philippines, particularly mechanically deboned chicken meat or MDM.

The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture accredited Poland to export poultry products in 2023. Poland has since become the Philippines’ third-largest supplier of chicken meat, according to information earlier provided to GMA News by Polish officials.

Poland’s agricultural and food exports to the Philippines reached about $106 million in 2025, up 30.6 percent from $81.1 million in 2024. Its leading exports includes dairy products, poultry meat and edible poultry offal, according to the Polish Agriculture Ministry.

Opportunities for Pinoys

During his visit to Manila, Krajewski also met Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. and other Philippine officials.

Their discussions included possible employment opportunities for Filipinos in Poland’s agriculture, rural development, food-processing and food-production sectors.

Krajewski says Filipino workers already employed in Poland are highly regarded by Polish companies.

“They are very valued by our employers because they are well disciplined, they are quick learners, and they also have a good command of the English language,” he said.

However, the minister did not announce a specific number of Filipino workers to be hired or provided a timetable for their deployment.

Poland interested in PH products

Krajewski said Poland is also interested in importing more Philippine agricultural products, particularly mangoes and avocados.

The minister said greater market access can be supported by a future free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union.

Negotiations for the EU-Philippines FTA remain ongoing. Talks resumed in March 2024, while the sixth negotiating round was held in May 2026. No final agreement has yet been announced.

Beyond agriculture and trade, the Philippines and Poland have also been exploring closer defense, maritime security and defense industry cooperation.

Krajewski says further discussions could take place during an expected visit to Manila by Polish President Karol Nawrocki in October.

“A better timing for this discussion will be when the Polish President comes to the Philippines to meet with your President in October,” Krajewski said. “This will be a great opportunity to have those discussions.” — BM, GMA News