ASF Retreats — But the Risk Remains
According to Alexander Dargiewicz, president of the National Association of Employers – Pig Producers (Polpig), 2025 has been one of the calmest years since ASF was first detected in Poland in 2014. As of mid-October, only 18 farms had been infected — a significant improvement attributed to enhanced biosecurity, stricter farm protocols, and improved disease monitoring systems.
However, the virus continues to circulate among wild boar populations, with 2,850 ASF cases detected in 2025 — even higher than in 2024. Dargiewicz emphasized that without effective wild boar population control, the risk of the virus returning to domestic herds remains high. To mitigate this, Poland has started using trained detection dogs to locate infected carcasses and remove them more efficiently.
Profitability Fluctuations and Farm Closures
In recent years, the profitability of pig farming in Poland has been unstable. In 2023, producers benefited from high pork prices and affordable feed. But by 2024, conditions worsened: prices for E-grade pigs dropped from 9 to 7.2 zloty/kg (€2.11 to €1.69), while feed costs rose. The result — shrinking production and many farmers leaving the market.
As of August 2025, only 44,810 pig farms remained in operation — 8,000 fewer than two years earlier. Meanwhile, the average herd size has grown to 207 pigs, nearly five times larger than a decade ago, reflecting industry consolidation and more professionalized production.
Signs of Stabilization
Despite the decline in farm numbers, Poland’s total pig inventory has stabilized at over 9 million head, down from 14.8 million in 2010. However, the number of breeding sows remains critically low, limiting the sector’s recovery pace.
Dargiewicz predicts modest growth in 2026, supported by stable feed prices and piglet imports. Rebuilding a strong sow herd, he said, will require improved profitability, simplified investment procedures, and continued ASF control efforts.
EU and Government Support
In 2023, the European Commission approved a €113 million aid package for Polish pig farmers. The program provides loan guarantees, interest subsidies, and simplified application procedures, aiming to boost sow herds, piglet production, and farm modernization.
Additional grants are available for biosecurity improvements, including building fences, gates, disinfection pits, feed silos, and straw storage facilities.
Exports and Outlook
Despite ASF-related restrictions, Polish pork exports in 2025 grew by 10.3% in volume and 3% in value, mainly within the EU.
However, China’s recent imposition of tariffs on EU pork imports has created new challenges for European exporters. In this environment, Dargiewicz believes that small and medium farms must focus on niche markets — such as premium-quality meat, local brands, and animal welfare certification — to compete on quality rather than price.
He adds that cooperation among producers and closer collaboration with local processors could help smallholders strengthen their market position, reduce costs, and build more resilient, value-driven business models.
PigUA.info based on materials from PigProgress.net