Polish poultry industry hoping to rebound
In 2021, poultry production in Poland is set to decline by 3% compared to the previous year to 3.1 million tonnes, with a 1% drop in the poultry exports, the Polish Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics forecasted. Egg production is expected to drop by 10% to roughly 500,000 tonnes, driven down by a 22% decline in egg exports, the analysts projected.
The Covid-19 pandemic keeps pushing down domestic consumption, while the fallout of avian influenza (AI) outbreaks hampers exports, the institute said.
In 2021, poultry exports will amount to 1.47 million tonnes, with foreign sales accounting for 47.5% of the industry output, compared to 46.9% in the previous year, according to the forecast.
“The decline in exports in the second half of 2021 is related to AI outbreaks, as a result of which many third markets have introduced import restrictions, as well as a production drop, which was also caused by this disease,” the institute said.
Expensive feed
Costly feed also takes a toll. In 2021, the price of feed on the Polish market jumped by 20-30% forcing poultry producers to raise prices, which is believed to contribute to a decrease in domestic consumption. However, in the fourth quarter of 2021, export conditions should improve.
The analysts said that many third countries had lifted restrictions on imports from Poland, and many more are expected to follow the lead in the coming months. This is anticipated to support both production and exports.
Fewer eggs produced and exported
According to analysts, things are not looking very positive in the egg segment as a downward trend in production continues. In 2020, egg output totaled 554,000 tonnes and was 3.1% lower than in the previous year. Egg exports decreased by over 9% to 192,000 tonnes, with foreign sales accounting for 34.7% of production.
