Fatal situation of berry pickers. They earn 10 times less than a year ago

Small bays are low wages. In addition, Poland is flooded with cheaper bays from the East, where there is a lot of fruit this year. People who have been involved in this profession for years say that the competitive price of fruits (mainly from Ukraine) has finished them. Last year, a kilogram of berries was sold even for 18 zlotys. Now the price is 6 PLN lower, because they were imported from the eastern border by 5-6 PLN per kilo

Helena has been buying berries in Tychów for more than 20 years. A woman from West Pomerania adds that she does not remember such a bad year for collectors and traders.

In recent years, people have picked up about 2 kg of berries in an hour. Now, record holders only collect half a kilo. Previously, I bought even a ton of these fruits a day. Today, 80 kg, that is a lot – explains Helena in a conversation with Fakt.

See also: Self-harvesters in exchange for a lower price? Not in Poland

This is a serious problem for residents of small towns and villages who harvest berries seasonally. The lack of fruit can also be seen while driving on national roads. In previous years, there were many blueberry sellers. Now you can see that there are also fewer roadside dealerships.

I had the habit of earning up to 300 PLN in seven hours. Today, I would probably be 40 years old. It's a waste of time and effort – adds Ms. Monika, 38, from Tychow.