In Poland, nearly 300 farmers demonstrated on Tuesday in Warsaw. Apple growers, they call for help not only their government but also the European Commission.
Usually, they sell much of their production to neighboring Russia. But with the Ukrainian crisis, Western sanctions, Russia imposed an embargo in retaliation. And growers are paying the price.
"This year, it's very hard !, finds Stanislaw Szurek, one of the protesters. Crops were very good, the apples are excellent quality, but the problem is that we have no one to buy them. And if we can sell them, it will be half price, and it obviously does not cover our costs. "
Some point to the possibility of transforming their apples into bio-gas. But for this, they say they need financial aid.
Poland had originally asked Brussels compensation of around € 150 million for its apple growers. This week, Warsaw has lowered its estimate now asking 25 million euros.
