Do you dream of a peaceful life in the countryside, but wake up from the roar of a harvester at dawn or smell from a nearby barn? The government has a solution. Anyone who buys a property in the vicinity of agricultural areas will have to sign a statement from the notary that he consciously agrees to the typical "charities" of the countryside – machine noise, smells and night field work. It is an element of the project "lex farmer" to protect Polish hosts.
Why is the "Lex Farmer" created?
Polska wieś zmienia się szybko. Coraz więcej osób z miast przeprowadza się za miasto w poszukiwaniu ciszy i przestrzeni. Niestety, ich oczekiwania często zderzają się z rzeczywistością produkcji rolnej. Hałas traktorów, zapach obornika czy nocne żniwa stają się powodem sporów sądowych i mandatów.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development prepared a bill on the protection of village production functions. The aim is to make it clear that legal agricultural activity is a normal part of rural life – not a "burden" for which a neighbour can be sued. The plan envisages the adoption of the bill by the government in the third quarter of 2026 and entry into force shortly after.
What exactly will change for property buyers?
The biggest novelty will affect home buyers and plots outside the administrative boundaries of cities. With the notarial act, they will have to make a statement:
- Confirming awareness of possible nuisances related to agricultural activities in the neighbourhood.
- Includes noise of agricultural machinery, smells from animal production, increased movement of tractors, and field work at unusual hours.
It's not a formality. The statement is intended to prevent later claims of the type "I did not know there was a cowshed next to it". The notary will read them before signing the deed.
Benefits for buyers:
- Less unpleasant surprises after moving.
- Clear rules from the start of the transaction.
Disadvantages?
- Additional formalism and potentially higher costs of notarial act.
- Limiting the possibility of litigation in the future.
Protection for farmers – what will the hosts gain?
The project introduces several key changes:
- Amendment to the Civil Code (new Article 1441): Agricultural activities carried out in accordance with the law and principles of the right economy will not be considered to disturb peace beyond an average measure. The burden of proof shall be transferred to the complainant.
- Amendment to the Code of Offence: Farmers will not be punished with fines for night field work (e.g. harvest before rain), if they act legally.
- Additional protection of family farms against claims of new residents.
Examples of life – what were the disputes so far?
- Rolnik z województwa łódzkiego pozwany za zapach z obory mimo wieloletniej legalnej działalności.
- Mandates for combine harvester working after 10:00 because it "disturbs night silence".
- Complaints about animal noises or heavy equipment.
Such cases multiply, which threatens to weaken Polish agricultural production. The new regulations are to stop it.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,
