Polish chicken output projected to climb 3.7% in 2027
Poland remains the EU's largest chicken producer, with more than 21% of EU output, and USDA FAS Warsaw forecasts a 3.7% production increase in 2027 after 8% growth in 2026. Lower feed costs through 2025 and the first half of 2026, along with higher wholesale and retail prices, are supporting the sector, and Poland extended its suspension of the genetically engineered feed ban until January 1, 2030. Disease remains a major threat, with 128 HPAI outbreaks in 2025 and 143 in the first half of 2026, plus Newcastle Disease cases, though Poland regained HPAI-free status in poultry as of July 28, 2026.
Poland supplies over a fifth of EU chicken meat and sends most of its output abroad—roughly 44% to EU markets and 26% beyond them. USDA FAS Warsaw expects 2027 output to rise 3.7%, after an 8% gain in 2026, helped by cheaper feed in 2025 and early 2026 and stronger wholesale and retail prices.
Warsaw has kept its genetically engineered feed ban suspended through 2030, citing too few alternative protein sources to replace soybean meal. Disease remains a central risk: 128 HPAI outbreaks in 2025 and 143 in 2026's first half, plus 52 Newcastle cases on commercial farms, though HPAI-free status returned on 28 July 2026.
Consumers in Poland and its export markets could benefit from steady chicken supplies, potentially easing price pressure relative to other proteins. Polish producers, processors, feed suppliers and workers may gain from improved margins, though disease outbreaks could disrupt farms, exports and local economies. Stricter biosecurity and vaccination requirements may raise costs for farmers, with some effects possibly passed to shoppers. Trade partners may watch HPAI and Newcastle status closely, as any renewed restrictions could affect availability and prices.