SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED PRESENTATION ON POLISH AGRICULTURE, FRIDAY,1 MARCH.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP61S00527A000200040024-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 13
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 10, 1998
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: March 7, 1957
• Content Type: MF

Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
rorA VUmnryarwir
fr
7 March 1957
MIM1RAW211 FOR: Assistant Director for Beseareh and. Reports
SWAM: Summary of the Detailed Presentation on Polish Agriculture,
Friday, 1 March.
1. The presentation was made by W. Twaahkiewiez who is the "agricul-
ture" man on the Polish National Planning Commission. Zie is a very thorough
bureaucrat with an unusual penchant for detail and has seemed very anxious
"to please" in the course of the talks thus far. The abstract presented
below follows the order of presentation by the speaker and has been expenaed
to include Answers to the questione raised by the U.S. delegation, thus
some repetition and lack of orgaelzation is inevitable.
2. Speaker first turned to a description of the division of the land.
Eighty percent of agriculturel area is in peasant holdings, 12 percent in
collectives end 8 percent in state farms. There are about 30oosrloo peasant
holdings averaging about 6 hectares compared to an average peasant holding
prewar of balf this land area. Poland has virtually no land reserve at
present; only About 4000000 hectare..' could possibly be reclalmed and this
only with large capital. eenmditure. Poland must rely epon iaereasing the
intensity of her egriculture for future gains in production.
3.. Polish agricultural production increased by 19.5 percent for crops
and 14.5 percent for animals from. 1949-55. Per capita agricultural pro-
duction increased by only 12 percent during the same period. At the end
amoomPosio.
mmeormistrammomeliew
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
41141.11141eimilem
VE11935sommemeas
of this period do percent of available hectares were planted to grain, 17
percent to potatoes, 5 percent to industrial crops. Remainder was not
identified so that it could be understood.
4. Production (1.955) per hectare was givens for grain, 3.4.3 quintals;
for potatoes, 100 quintals (135 in 1954 which was more normal); 136 quintals
for sugar beets. Production data were given fur certain basic agricultural
products:
000 NT poo,coo head
Grain
13,300
Cattle
7.9
Potatoes
27,000
Bogs
10.9
Beets
7,300
Sheep
4.2
Rape seed
151
Flax
275
Re indicated that animal product output was greater than the increase in
anirala because of reductions in slaughter weight aimed to achieve a more
nearly optimum slaughter weight.
5. BO also Averred that the hog-cattle ratio was too high but that
plans were now laid to increase the cattle population at a higher rate.
The present relationship results in loss of butter and beef for eXport and
loss of manure for small farms as well as an inordinate requirement of
fodder for the hog population. Mr. Iwashkiewicz stressed the fact that
Poland was short of fodder, especially protein fodder. MOreover, animal
production was beteg hampered by a lack of buildings for livestock.
010111111111M1MIWOME111111111m,
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
991041041100
6. The caloric intake of Poles was characterized as 32 percent from
anima3. products and 68 percent from crop products. Per Capita consumption
In Poland for 3.955 with the appropriate increase over prewar was given:
Per Capita Ccmamian mg=
Grain 166 Kilo 121 percent
Meat and Animal Fats 37.7 Kilo 192 percent
Milk and Milk Products 322.6 Liters 123 percent
Eggs 135 Thins 135 percent
Sager 23.4 Kilo 233 percent
Vegetables 84 Lila 124 percent
7. The current FY? looks toward more rapid expansion of agricultural
production in an effort to reduce the disproportions which have been built
up by, Poland's previous emphasis on heavy industry. Gross agricultural
output is expected to increase 25 percent and real agricultural wages 30
percent; crop production to increase 22 percent and animal production by
27 percent. The cattle population will increase from 7.9 to 9.9 million
head, hose from 10.9 to 12.4 million head. In addition Polish agriculture
must receive more fertilizer machinery and building materials.
8. Major attention will be devoted to increasing incentives to
peasants and other farm labor. Price increases have been and are being
initiated, eogpulsory deliveries will be reduced and more manufactured
consumer goods are to be made available to the peasant.
- 3 -
iiiidasawarem
CF i1LEL - IF
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Tormearrewe
sengrenswareinms
9- Certain changes use being. made in agricultural administration.
There will be an initial slow-down In the rate of organizing new collective
farms. Collective farms with poor production records will be disbanded.
The central government must remove itself from the internal affairs of .
the peasants and. collectives. Mditiona.1 aid (money and materials) will
be made available to collectives with good production records. The system
of WS will be reorganized to permit additional machinery to go to the
private farmer cooperatives and to secure more direct control of machinery
for the collective farm. Collective farms will become increasingly special-
ized. and collective processing and marketing organizations will be en-
couraged. Private handicraft production in the village will again be
encouraged-
10. The price paid for compulsory delivery of grain has been raised
from 61 to 120 zloty per kilo. A gradual reduction in compulsory delivery
will be carried out with the objective of eventually eliminating compul-
sory deliveries. Compulsory deliveries will be reduced to 630,000 MT of
grain far 1957, a reduction of 30 percent from 1956. To do this Poland
will require 1.2 miLUon tons of grain as a reserve (3 maths) for Urban
liveain consumption. W. Twashkievicz pointed out that for the early period,
at least, the farmers will probably hold. back grain and that the urban
bread supply must be assured. My attempt to buy withheld grain would
seriously disturb prices and markets. Prices paid. for wool and raw hides
alimaah041011"'
sarAiligialidi4110011111Pm
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
41914110Wimills
arnmniTENNOPRIMINIEN
have been increased and they hope to increase the prices paid for milk and
milk products. The agricultural land tax is also to be reduced in 1957.
11. The speaker characterized the most urgent needs of Polish agri-
culture as the need for buildings, labor, machinery, fertilizer, drainage
and electrification, which leaves little "unneeded." The government has
allocated twice as much building material to the agricultural sector as
in the previous year(s?), and efforts are to be made to produce building
materials from local material for an additional boost to construction.
He said Boland had few tractors, only .39 (13 horsepower units) per 100
hectare a for private agriculture and 1.7 for state farms. More tractors
must be produced and sold to private farmers and cooperative machinery
centers as well as to state farms. Poland will have to import tractors or
the equipment to manufacture additional tractors. They have little in
the way of planting and harvesting machinery. The Poles have never been
able to build a satisfactory sprayer and need such evipment seriously.
The speaker stressed the need for motors, especially electric motors, for
all such equipment. Production of fertilizer is planned to increase 77
percent in 1956-60, but this will not be enough. Fertilizer is presently
used almost exlusively on commercial crops, e.g. sugar beets, flax, etc.
Present fertilizer applications would permit an import of one dollar in
fertilizer to yield about two dollars in grain output.
- 5 -
ammiemem
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release.: CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
fmrimrrifilmiaidE
12. The Polish:delegate emphasized the critical nature of the fodder
problem. Poland must import large quantities of protein fodder to sustain
her current animal population. 82,000 MT was *ported in 1956, by 1960
imports of protein supplement should reach 180,000 MT -per year. The high
ratio of amall holders in Poland favors animal production and such a pro-
grammust be carried out to secure an optician agricultural program.
13. To question on the statistical base, barn or biological yield,
Iwashkiewioz flatly stated Poland had always used produCt harvested and
in the barn. He proposed that a statement of the statistical techniques
used in agriculture be prepared and be furnished to the working group deal-
ing; with agricultural problems.
14. A question was raised on the long-run effect of Poland's new agri-
cultural policy upon foreign trade. The Polish delegation either had not
thought this one through fully or they wantedto hedge. Much quick whispered
discussion came out, "they would export some commodities and import others."
They thought that they would continue for several years to import about 1
million MT of grata. Even as fodder production increased, they would have
to import 33-35 percent of their fodder and a higher proportion of Protein
supplement such as oil seed and oil oaks. Their principal exports would
be meat products and sugar. Agricultural products would Comprise only about
10 percent of their total future exports.
- 6 -
aertedimpaitille=m
Wiliaismilui?vammemay
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
4,DIMPOROWE
4,04A Amtonnom utast %mama
15. OnMomday, March 1957, questioning on the Polish agricultural
situation continued. Ma7. lwashkiewicz began by the major com,
modities and volume of Polish trade in agricultural products for 1955, 1956
and plans for 1960.
imports
000 MT
1956s
1955,dity
Oil seeds and fats (units of pure fat)68.9
76.2
117.0
Cotton (all types of fiber)
95.0
85.0
128.0
Wool
16.6
16.0
25.0
Grain (bread and fodder)
1200.0
1100.0*
1100.0*
Rice
30.0
32.0
. 100.0
* Does not include grain stock requirement for compensation
of expected Shortfall from the reduction of compUlsory
deliveries (1,200,000 MT). ?
Exports
Meat products
73.2
77.2
70.0
Bacon
118.0
Ram
13.0
Poultry
8.6
Eggs .
Shell (million units)
344.0
400.0
frozen
Sugar
Barley
Malt (Barley)
(1950)
15.0
- 7 -
samirmiamBEINIIIND
4." JAMOMMIAL VOM ViMai
1.9
372.0
32.0
2.7
350.0
30.0
16.0
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved Fc' Viely inIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
qiwrimoriftimmisor
16. Mt. Drashkieuicz then gave production, consumption (other than
export) and stocks of Poland's principal agricultural products for 1955
and 1960. BO had like data for minor crops Which he thought might be
better presented later in the agricultural working group.
000 fir
1222
Grain Production 13,300
Consumption
(Almost all urban consumption,
with limited rural purchases.)
Bread
1,800
2,000
Wheat flour
3313
441
Other flour
566
661
Groats and cereals
274
366
Grain stocks
po (1 Aug 56)
1,200*
* 3 months' supply for the urban
market in 1957.
Sugar Production
980
1,350
Sugar Consumption
(All types, domestic most)
493
700
Export
373
350
Sugar stocks are considered adequate.
- 8 -
VINVIRMIND..
selkIMMEMppeneepenip
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
IPPEREMellelEme.
WIWINISIEMMEMBERIMP
000M2
L222. ?
Meat Production 628 910
Domestic Consumption
Fresh meat 160 300
Meat products 220 300.
Export meat 73.2 70
Meat Stocks Only enough to assure the market supply In
non-slaughter season.
Butter Production
Butter stocks
Consumption of oils and fats
Domestic edible fats
Soaps
" 9
61.o 95.9
1.6 (mast be higher
than 1956)
(1958)
127.0 180.0
(1960)
52.0 66.0
(1958)
38.0 62.0
Saiakanlimeen
?61.8111.1PENERMIraltrf
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Several major problems exist in the area of fats and oils. 1) Poland must
increase its production and import of oil seeds and decrease Imports of
refined oils. 2) Poland must increase use of oil for margerine and
reduce domestic use of butter, then export the butter to got foreign
exchange. 3) Poland must increase the use of vegetable oils in soap making
and increase the production of detergents so as to reduce the required
imports of oil aid their cost to the minimum practicable level.
17. To a questimq on internal prices for agricultural prices,
/washkiewicz produced four pages of commodities with their procurement
and retail prices. 2hese data were to be given to thell.S. side in the
agriculture working group which is headed by Mt. Gordon Frazier, Mr. Gus
Burmeister is the Agriculture representative on the U.S. Delegation.
18. A long hypotheticalTJ.S. question was raised dealing with the
extraordinary success of Polish agriculture based upon the "impression"
Polish statistics would give you if not carefully analyzed. Iwashkiewiez
was quick to alloy the impression other than for the real gains achieved
which are quite limited except in animal production. Gross agricultural
production in Poland had increased only 8.7 percent over 1938 by 19,6
rather than the 15-.20 percent which might be teemed from piecing to-
gether announcements. Crop production has increased only 3.1 percent in
the same period of time. Grain production is almost equal to 1938,
- 10 -
41ellealellielnellellei
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release ? CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
12.6 million tons in 1938 and 12.7 million toes in 1956. There are, how-
ever, maay fewer Nags to feed so that per capita production has increased
sharply, about 30 percent over the same period. The apparent improvement
of the grain position has been mitigated by the rapid increase in animal
production. Hoge increased from 7.5 million in 1938 to 11.6 million in
1956. Although the slaughter weight of bogs has been reduced it still
requires 250-300 kilo of grain to bring a hog to slaughter weight. He
added that putting the grain (even the feeding of a good deal of more
expensive bread grains) Into animals gave Poland much more foreign exchange
than would the export of the greia.
19. Questioned about the possible necessity to add storage oapacity
to carry over the additional 1.2 million ton stock for urban consumption,
the Poles indicated that their present storage would cover them. They
have 1.5 million tons of storage capacity in processing centers and an
additional 400,000 tons of storage capacity at procurement points. U.S.
agricultural representatives thought that should they succeed in buying
the grain stock they're negotiating for that much of it might be stored
abroad and moved in as needed. / would add that the purpose of the stock
(to guard against farmer's withholding grain after reduction of compulsory
delivery) maybe dissolved by the very act of accumulation of the stock.
When the farmer finds that there is no shortage and prices fail to rise,
saw of the hoarders will probably move their grain to market at the State's
price.
- 1/ -
4WiEsaimPaimi
G116721231111Waikaniki
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release: CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
allitriffiMMMIW/111110111111?
20. Production data were given for cotton textiles for 1955 and 60.
Cotton textiles - Running meters 558,000
Sqpare meters 487,000
681,000
600,000
Poland exports about 10 percent of its total production of textiles, most
of the export to Bloc countries, none to the United States. The Polish
Delegation will prepare for the As. Working Group, a breakdown of these
exports by country.
21. TO a question on the agricultural labor force, Ivashkiewicz indi-
cated that they may have to increase their agricultural labor force to
meet the terms of the 1960 plan, but certainly no reduction is planned at
present. As the labor force increases rapidly at present, this situation
maybe expected to produce a decline in the share of gainfully employed
Jedividuals in agriculture.
22. Ie dizeussing the above labor force question, Iwashkiewicz men-
tioned that labor force neMbers and allocations do not play a large part
in the five year term planning. He said that the Planning Commission was
"working (drafting) on a long-term, 20 year, plan" which is modeled very
closely on Changes in the labor force and on developing a detailed system
12
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6
EPOPMERIMPOIIIMINI
of allocation of the labor force. Re emphasized that the 20-year plan
was largely developed from labor force data although the five-year plan
was largely developed fraa specific production targets. There would be
a meshing of the two planning systems presumably in the translation of
the long-term plan into five-year plans..
25X1A9a
Office of Research and Reports
- 13 -
Sanitized - Approved For Release : CIA-RDP61500527A000200040024-6