The Polish Agriculture Ministry plans to propose charging 8% VAT on Ukrainian vegetable oil and capping sugar imports from Ukraine to Poland, Polish Deputy Agriculture Minister Michal Kolodziejczak said in an interview with TVP Info.

Poland's Agriculture Ministry is analyzing data, including what amount of frozen raspberries was delivered from Ukraine and Poland this year, Ukrainian media said, citing Kolodziejczak. Several hundred tonnes of frozen raspberries have been imported to date. The price of this produce makes growing fresh berries in Poland unnecessary.

Therefore, the Polish Agriculture Ministry wants import caps to be imposed and to increase the output of these products inside the country.

Speaking about the introduction of VAT on Ukrainian vegetable oil, Kolodziejczak said he is puzzled why vegetable oil should be imported at a 0% VAT rate, which is intended for Ukrainian producers.

Commenting on a farmers' 30-day nationwide strike, which is due to start on February 9 and will involve blocking crossings on the Polish-Ukrainian border, Kolodziejczak said that he supports farmers' decision, adding that "the border with Ukraine must be closed very tightly."

Kolodziejczak said he would ask the Road Transport Inspection to check vehicles carrying goods from Ukraine to Lithuania via Poland in order to make sure that the seal is not removed in Lithuania to enable the same vehicle with cargo to return from Lithuania to Poland.

The first changes will be carried out this week, Kolodziejczak said, adding that he would travel to Lublin on Monday to meet with the head of the local administration and subordinate services to decide on specific further actions.