Poland to raise maximum fines for manure and slurry violations from 2027
From 1 January 2027, maximum charges for breaching Poland's nitrate programme, including improper storage of manure and slurry, will rise by about 3.6%. The highest rate will reach 4,727.65 zlotys.
Farmers in Poland will face higher charges for breaking nitrate programme rules from 1 January 2027. The nitrate programme is a set of requirements meant to prevent fertilisers, including manure and slurry, from polluting soil and water. The new maximum rates were set out in an announcement by Poland's infrastructure minister dated 28 October 2026, as reported by the agricultural outlet topagrar.pl.
The new rates
The increases cover fertiliser application, storage and record-keeping. The maximum rates in 2027 will be:
- 3,151.77 zlotys for applying fertiliser in breach of the nitrate programme or the nitrogen fertilisation plan, which is 109.52 zlotys more than in 2026;
- 4,727.65 zlotys for storing natural fertilisers contrary to the rules, up 164.28 zlotys from 4,563.37 zlotys in 2026;
- 787.94 zlotys for lacking nitrate programme documentation or keeping it incorrectly, 27.38 zlotys more;
- 787.94 zlotys for lacking the required nitrogen fertilisation plan, also 27.38 zlotys more.
What carries the highest charge
The top rate applies to breaches of storage rules for natural fertilisers: manure, liquid manure and slurry. Farmers must ensure storage conditions that keep contaminants from reaching soil and water. Problems found during inspections may stem from improper storage, inadequately secured storage sites or insufficient capacity of tanks for liquid fertilisers.
When spreading is allowed
Natural fertilisers and mineral nitrogen fertilisers can normally be applied from 1 March, or from 1 February in suitable weather, if the average daily temperature exceeds 3°C or 5°C, depending on the crop, for five consecutive days. In autumn, manure may be applied until 31 October on arable land and until 30 November on permanent grassland and perennial crops. Slurry, liquid manure and mineral nitrogen may be applied on arable land until 20 October, and on permanent grassland and permanent crops until 31 October. In unfavourable weather, fertilising on arable land can exceptionally be extended to 30 November. Flooded, waterlogged, snow-covered or frozen soil must not be fertilised.
Other consequences
Charges under the Water Law are not the only possible consequence. Violations of conditionality requirements can also reduce direct payments granted by ARiMR, Poland's Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture.
