Poland’s draft tobacco law, aiming to eliminate nicotine pouches, faces opposition from the agricultural sector and businesses seeking dialogue and balanced regulations.
Essential Export Sector
Employers’ organizations and business associations emphasize the need for broad dialogue and in-depth analysis of the regulations’ impact. They believe well-designed legislation can achieve health goals while supporting market and public finance stability.
Agricultural Significance
The agricultural sector is particularly concerned, with farming organizations highlighting tobacco as a pillar of Polish agriculture and the economy. Poland is the third-largest tobacco producer in the EU, with tobacco products accounting for approximately 11% of agricultural and food exports, generating €4.6 billion annually.
The sector also provides over PLN 28 billion in revenue to the state budget and employment for around 560,000 people.
Development Potential in Nicotine Products
Farmers point to the industry’s development potential in the context of the evolving nicotine product market. Tobacco remains a key raw material for modern products, and Poland, as a major EU producer, could play a significant role, provided regulatory conditions remain stable.
Ministry Support and EU Funding
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development actively supports the sector, consistently advocating for the protection of tobacco growers’ interests, including maintaining financial support and favorable regulations. Over €72 million is allocated for non-production-related payments within the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027.
The ministry is also engaging in dialogue with market participants and monitoring the situation to ensure stable demand for domestic raw materials.
Call for Joint Commission
Industry and administration representatives agree on the need for legal predictability and broad dialogue. Business and agricultural organizations propose strengthening the legislative process by establishing a joint parliamentary committee involving health, public finance, economy, and agriculture committees.
Such a forum, they argue, would facilitate solutions that better balance health objectives with economic and fiscal interests.
Inter-Ministerial Team Initiative
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is initiating the formation of an inter-ministerial team to address these concerns, having already discussed the idea with the Ministry of Finance, which supports the initiative. The team would consider health aspects, the situation of farmers, and state finances.
The ministry intends to also initiate the creation of a group of EU member states to develop common positions on tobacco directives.
Concerns from Various Sectors
Concerns are also raised by the military, who note the widespread use of innovative products like nicotine pouches among soldiers, particularly in field conditions. They advocate for a more balanced approach to these products, highlighting the dangers of traditional cigarettes in military settings.
Additionally, stakeholders point out the potential impact on businesses involved in tobacco production, distribution, and retail, arguing their interests have been overlooked. Some suggest a complete ban on tobacco products would be more consistent with prioritizing health.
