Poland

Overview

Poland is a major EU meat producer, with the industry valued at around €30 billion, specializing in poultry, pork, and beef. It benefits from low costs and strong exports, employing thousands in rural areas. In 2025, revenue is projected at US$17.3 billion, with volume at 2.55 billion kg.


Production
In 2023, poultry led at 2.7 million tonnes, cattle at 0.51 million tonnes, pigmeat ~1.7 million tonnes, and sheep/goats minor at 0.0014 million tonnes. For 2025, production is forecast to decline slightly (e.g., beef down 1.5% EU-wide), but Poland's cattle farming remains positive amid herd growth. Total meat output ~5 million tonnes, with Poland holding 9.3% of EU beef.

Exports and Consumption
Exports are key, including pork to NZ and EU markets. Per capita consumption is high at ~88 kg (carcass), among Europe's top, driven by pork and poultry. In 2025, per person revenue US$449, with projected increases to 65 kg in Ukraine influencing regional trends.

Relative to Population
Population ~38.1 million in 2025. Per capita production ~131 kg, consumption ~88 kg, highlighting export surplus. Declining population pressures domestic demand.

Industry bodies

Polski Związek Hodowców i Producentów Bydła Mięsnego(PZHBM)

The Polish Association of Beef Cattle Breeders and Producers promotes beef cattle breeding, genetic improvement, and market competitiveness, representing farmers in policy and trade.
www.pzhbim.pl

Polskie Zrzeszenie Producentów Bydła Mlecznego (PZPM)

Represents dairy cattle producers, focusing on milk production, quality standards, and advocacy for dairy farmers, supporting Poland’s significant dairy sector.
www.polskiemleko.pl

Krajowy Związek Hodowców Owiec (KZHO)

The National Sheep Breeders Association supports sheep farmers, promoting wool, meat, and dairy production, with a focus on native breeds and sustainability.
www.kzho.pl

Polska Federacja Hodowców Drobiu i Producentów Jaj (PFHDiPJ)

Represents poultry and egg producers, advocating for biosecurity, welfare standards, and market growth in Poland’s leading poultry sector.
www.krd-ig.com.pl (via National Poultry Council)

Związek Polskie Mięso (ZPM)

The Polish Meat Association represents pork and beef processors and producers, promoting quality, exports, and compliance with EU standards.
www.polskie-mieso.pl

Polska Izba Gospodarcza Przemysłu Spożywczego (PIGPS)

The Polish Chamber of Commerce of the Food Industry includes livestock and meat processors, advocating for policy and innovation in meat production.
www.pigps.pl

Scientific bodies

National Research Institute of Animal Production (IZ PIB)

A leading institute under the Ministry of Agriculture, researching livestock genetics, breeding, nutrition, and welfare for cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep.
www.iz.edu.pl

Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IARFR PAS)

Conducts interdisciplinary research on animal reproduction, food safety, and livestock health, with a focus on sustainable production and biodiversity.
www.pan.olsztyn.pl

Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology (IBPRS-PIB)

Researches agri-food biotechnology, including livestock feed safety, meat quality, and analytical methods, supporting industry and regulatory bodies.
www.ibprs.pl

Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) - Faculty of Animal Sciences

A top academic center researching livestock production, genetics, and welfare, offering programs and industry-focused studies for sustainable animal agriculture.
www.sggw.edu.pl/en/structure/faculty-of-animal-sciences

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn - Faculty of Animal Bioengineering

Conducts research on animal genetics, nutrition, and production systems, contributing to advancements in Poland’s livestock sector.
www.uwm.edu.pl/en/faculties/animal-bioengineering


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