STOP MISINFORMATION: Polish Agriculture Ministry clarifies plant protection product regulations

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued an official statement under the slogan STOP MISINFORMATION, in which it debunks false reports about alleged new restrictions for allotment gardeners. The ministry emphasized that the regulations, which came into force on March 6, 2026, do not introduce an obligation to possess certificates of completed training for non-professional users. Amateurs cultivating plants in home gardens or on the grounds of family allotment gardens can still purchase plant protection products intended for them under the existing rules. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Stefan Krajewski indicated that the legislative changes aim to regulate the professional market, not to hinder the work of hobbyists. The system for trading plant protection products in Poland is based on the Act on Plant Protection Products, which implements EU directives on the sustainable use of pesticides. For years, the regulations have clearly separated preparations into those for professionals, requiring specialist qualifications, and those available for amateurs. The 2026 amendment is another step in tightening supervision over substances with the highest degree of toxicity, such as fumigants.

The amendment to the regulations corrects the existing rules for the trade of chemical preparations, introducing, among other things, special supervision over fumigants, i.e., substances with high toxicity. These changes apply exclusively to professional users, such as farmers or businesses providing disinfection services, who must possess current qualifications. For individuals purchasing plant protection products in small packages, dedicated for non-professional use, the purchasing process remains unchanged and does not require presenting any certificates. The agriculture ministry noted that information spread on social media about the necessity for every allotment gardener to undergo paid training is completely unfounded. 6 (marca 2026) — effective date of new regulations on the trade of plant protection products Rules for purchasing plant protection products after March 6, 2026: Non-professional users (allotment gardeners): No training requirement → No training requirement (no change); Professional users (farmers): Basic training required → Training or IP certificate required (subject to program); Trade of fumigants: Standard supervision → Special supervision and rigorous controls

An important clarification in the new regulations is the issue of recognizing certificates in the field of Integrated Plant Production when purchasing preparations for professionals. IP training entitles one to purchase plant protection products intended for professional users, but under one key condition. The program of such a course must include topics concerning the safe use of plant protection products, which must be confirmed in the training documentation. If the IP training program did not include these specific modules, its graduate will not be able to purchase professional preparations without completing an additional course dedicated strictly to the use of agricultural chemicals. „W przestrzeni publicznej pojawiły się nieprawdziwe informacje sugerujące, że nowe przepisy nakładają na działkowców obowiązek posiadania zaświadczeń o ukończeniu szkolenia. To dezinformacja.” (False information has appeared in the public space suggesting that the new regulations impose an obligation on allotment gardeners to possess certificates of completed training. This is misinformation.) — Stefan Krajewski via the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

The current leadership of the agriculture ministry, headed by Minister Stefan Krajewski, places great emphasis on combating fake news concerning the agro sector. In March 2026, Jacek Czerniak holds the position of Secretary of State in the ministry, while Adam Nowak remains Undersecretary of State. It is worth noting that the previous Minister of Agriculture, Czesław Siekierski, and former Deputy Minister Michał Kołodziejczak ended their terms in the ministry in 2025. The current legal changes are presented as a technical correction aimed at increasing the safety of trade in hazardous substances, while simultaneously preserving freedom of action for millions of Polish allotment gardeners. Introduction of changes to plant protection product regulations: February 6, 2026 — Announcement of changes; March 6, 2026 — Entry into force; March 12, 2026 — STOP MISINFORMATION statement