ForumforAg Food Systems Podcast Summary

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, recorded at the Forum’s Annual Conference 2025, Alex Turk talks to Grzegorz Brodziak, farmer & CEO Goodvalley, Poland, & President of the Management Board, Polska Federacja Rolna.

Here is a summary of the conversation.

You represent over 1,000 farms and farmers across Poland. What’s your main message to the Forum today about implementing the transition?

We represent a fraction of Poland’s agriculture – the country has over 1.3 million farmers. As large farms we might have a different view from smaller farms on some things, but we all want a more level playing field. Farmers are fed up with over-regulation. The European Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy contain many good things, but they weren’t communicated well, and farmers weren’t involved enough in the dialogue. What we need is an open, honest dialogue and simplification of the rules, so we can win the hearts and minds of the farmers.

How do you think that message was received at the forum today?

I sense that everyone is looking for simplification and clear rules. With the geopolitical chaos and changing circumstances, we need stability to keep production going and remain competitive. We need to take a step back and find a wise way to implement necessary climate and environmental changes without threatening the existence of European agriculture.

Do you feel that there is progress being made? Do you feel your voice is being heard by policymakers in Brussels?

I have the impression that our voice is being heard, and the openness to dialogue is bigger than it used to be. In Poland, after the protests, I appreciate that the politician and Minister of Agriculture are actively building trust with farmers by being ready to meet and discuss issues. We need a combination of science-based information and a transition that allows us to keep producing and adjust how we run our farms.

When I look at Brussels, there is this saying, “Brussels bubble”. I hear comments that we don’t want politicians taking decisions about farming. This isn’t the full story; we need is a combination of science-based information and transition designed in a way that we can keep going, we can continue producing, we can adjust our way of running our farms.

To win the hearts and minds of farmers, what one step would you advocate for now to effectively implement the transition?

We’re in the middle of the discussion and debate, future financial frameworks and policy are being defined, along with a new approach to the environmental aspects.

Deregulation through the Omnibus simplification package would be appreciated. We must keep the dialogue going, keep farmers involved, and appreciate and understand their position. This will create space to work gradually on the big things that need to happen.