EPP 2026: How the Polish pig sector is becoming more competitive, efficient and structured

The 2026 European Pig Producers (EPP) Congress in Poznań, Poland, brought together British producers and allied industry members, alongside delegates from across Europe.

Set in a vibrant and culturally rich city, the four-day visit provided a valuable chance to engage with the congress programme while also experiencing the local surroundings and building connections within the industry.

During our time in Poland, we were able to try a range of traditional cuisine, including the well-known St Martin’s croissant, along with other local specialities. It was great to not only gain insight into the Polish pig sector (as outlined below), but also become immersed in their culture.

After the talks finished, we were able to relax together over dinner and make the most of the evenings, exploring local bars, enjoying a bit of karaoke and spending time unwinding as a group.

As always, the congress provided a great way to reconnect with farmers from different countries, sharing the challenges they are facing within their own businesses.

Discussions ranged from developments in genetics and changes in consumer trends to differing approaches to sustainability, highlighting both the diversity and similarities across international pig production systems. This helped to strengthen relationships and provided the chance to learn from others’ experiences.

Poland’s Pig Sector: Resilience, Restructuring and Future Opportunity

Poland’s pig industry has undergone one of the most dramatic structural transformations in Europe over the past two decades. Once characterised by small-scale production and high pig numbers, the sector is now defined by consolidation, improved efficiency and an ongoing battle with African Swine Fever (ASF).

A sector reshaped

Poland’s agricultural landscape has changed significantly since 2005. Farm numbers have fallen from around 315,000 to just 43,000 in 2026, while average herd size has increased from 54 sows to over 200 per farm. Despite this consolidation, pig numbers have stabilised at approximately 9 million head following a sharp decline driven by inefficiency and the impact of ASF, first detected in 2014.

Production is now concentrated in central regions, with around 60% of pigs located in key provinces. While the number of farms is expected to continue falling, improved productivity means overall pig numbers are likely to remain stable.

Three business models dominate today’s sector:

• Vertically integrated systems (40%), where integrators supply pigs, feed and logistics
• Independent producers (55%), although this share is declining
• Horizontal cooperatives (5%), offering shared purchasing and marketing.

The trend is clearly towards scale, with large sow units, around 3,000 sows, seen as the future.

Efficiency gains amid reliance on imports

Despite reduced domestic herds, Poland has maintained slaughter throughput, largely through efficiency gains. However, the system increasingly relies on imported piglets, particularly from Denmark, with volumes rising from 2.5 million in 2013 to 7.8 million in 2025. This dependence presents a biosecurity risk, especially in light of ASF.

At the same time, Poland exports around 350,000 tonnes of pork annually, with key markets including the Czech Republic and the UK, while importing roughly 700,000 tonnes from countries such as Denmark and Germany.

ASF: a defining challenge

ASF remains the most significant threat to the Polish pig industry, costing an estimated €4.3 billion over 11 years when combining farmer losses and state expenditure.

Poland has implemented strict biosecurity measures, including:

• 90-day grain quarantine before feeding
• Heat-treated and disinfected transport vehicles
• 45-day restocking delays after outbreaks

There is also a shift towards biosecurity-based compartmentalisation, rather than regional zoning. Controlling wild boar populations, improving carcass detection, and strengthening movement controls remain key priorities.

Productivity and technology driving progress

Investment in technology, genetics and management is improving productivity across the industry. Innovative integrator models, such as AgroIntegracja, are helping smaller farms transition into viable commercial units through data-driven management, shared services and coordinated marketing.

Results are notable: some participating farms have increased output from 24 to 34 pigs per sow per year within three years, alongside reduced mortality rates.

On-farm innovation is also evident, with:

• Automated feeding systems improving labour efficiency
• Sensor technology monitoring environment conditions
• Biogas plants supporting energy needs and slurry management

Large-scale operations, such as Goodvalley, demonstrate how sustainability, biosecurity and vertical integration can work together. With 20,000 sows and in-house processing, the company combines free-farrowing systems, renewable energy and full traceability through QR codes on product packaging.

Welfare and sustainability in focus

Poland is increasingly aligning with wider European expectations on welfare and sustainability. Key areas of focus include:

• Free farrowing systems
• Reduced tail docking and castration
• Improved space allowances and transport conditions

Innovative incentive schemes are emerging, such as payments for pigs with intact tails, supported by abattoir-based monitoring systems.

Environmental priorities include slurry management, odour control and greenhouse gas reduction. Biogas technology is playing a critical role in addressing these challenges.

Profitability and public perception

While market conditions remain volatile, affected by feed costs, global pig supply and geopolitical factors, industry experts emphasise that profitability is driven largely by human factors.

Management, planning, and education are key areas requiring improvement, alongside stronger industry collaboration and lobbying. Farmers also face growing pressure from public perception, environmental concerns and regulatory complexity.

Interestingly, analysis presented at EPP 2026 suggested that:

• 75% of success depends on human and social factors
• 25% on economic conditions
• 0% on ‘higher powers’.

Looking ahead

Despite its challenges, Poland’s pig sector is becoming more competitive, efficient and structured. The industry is investing in promotion, including consumer engagement initiatives funded through levy systems, helping to reinforce pork’s position as a nutritious and sustainable protein source.

With global demand for protein expected to rise, and pigs recognised as efficient converters of by-products, there is a clear opportunity. However, continued progress will depend on disease control, further consolidation, and the ability to balance productivity with welfare and environmental expectations.

Poland’s experience offers valuable lessons for the wider European pig industry: resilience, adaptability and innovation remain essential for future success.

• The next congress in 2027 will be held in Belgium, and we look forward to attending and continuing these valuable discussions, sharing knowledge, and strengthening relationships across the European pig industry.

Great experience

India Griffin-Jenkins, from Quality Equipment, said: ‘As a YNPA and EPP member, it was a great experience to attend my first EPP Congress. The opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of European pig production and to network with other delegates, who together will be shaping the next decade of the industry, was very inspiring.

“Despite the pressures facing the sector, it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm across the wider industry, particularly as science‑led practice will be key to driving industry forward.”

Toni Bagguley, Pilgrims Europe: “I would highly recommend joining EPP to farmers. I have now attended two congresses, Seville 2023 and Poznan 2026. Both have provided a great opportunity to meet like-minded people across Europe with a shared passion for pig farming.

“It has also been valuable to learn how other countries are streamlining their production and investing in advancing the industry. Each year, I come away more informed and encouraged by the innovation and collaboration driving the sector forward.

“It has also been a fantastic opportunity to experience the wider culture of each host country, which adds to the overall experience.”