Disruption of European agri-food markets due to Covid-19: The case of Poland

Abstract

Purpose: The chapter describes the economic impact of Covid-19 on the agri-food market in Poland and its influence along food supply chains by discussing demand accommodation and alterations in supply channels. Design/methodology/approach: The study delivers a critical literature review, analyzes secondary data, and utilizes available statistics. Findings: The chapter shows the impact of Covid-19 on the various branches of agri-food sector like cattle meat, cereal, poultry, pork, milk, and horticulture. It shows quantitative information, time period, the level of sales decreases and increases, and price fluctuations caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, the study scrutinizes consumer reactions to the first and latter period of economy lockdown in respect to the food products. Food demand adjustments were shown in respect to types of food product, shopping frequency, and the use of alternative delivery channels. Practical implications: The analysis of the agri-food market reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic allows us to find bottlenecks in the system and design support programs to help farmers, intermediaries, and delivery channels of food to build resistance to similarly extreme situations. Originality and value: The chapter presents in a short and complex manner the Polish agri-food market’s reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. The reactions of particular branches and the entire agri-food sector can be of interest to academics, governmental institutions, administration officials, and students.