1st International Congress of Regenerative and Organic Agriculture: a new era for Polish agriculture

1st International Congress of Regenerative and Organic Agriculture: a new era for Polish agriculture

Regenerative agriculture – what is it and why is it worth talking about?

Regenerative farming is a new trend in Polish agriculture, which combines the assumptions of organic, permaculture, integrated and precision farming. It is a more restrictive form of agriculture aimed at restoring and maintaining soil health, biodiversity and improving the overall condition of the agricultural ecosystem. Although this concept is only beginning to gain popularity in Poland, the organizers of the I International Congress on Regenerative and Ecological Agriculture hope that this event will contribute to its wider dissemination and better understanding.

Congress for all – from farmers to students

The congress that took place yesterday was addressed to a wide range of audiences, including:

• Farmers
• Agricultural advisers
• Associations and organisations active in the agri-food sector
• Members of the Rural Housewives Circle
• Teachers of vocational subjects in agricultural and allied tertiary education
• Students and pupils studying in agricultural universities and schools

The congress could be followed both stationary and online, which enabled the participation of a wide range of interested parties from different parts of Poland and the world.

Opening of the Congress by the Minister of Agriculture

Congress has opened the Under Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Stefan Krajewski, who in his speech stressed the importance of regenerative agriculture for the future of Polish agriculture. The Minister pointed out that such initiatives are key to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, which not only increase yields but also protect the natural environment.

Plenary lectures – the foundations of regenerative agriculture

Before the discussion panel, participants had the opportunity to listen to a series of lectures as part of the plenary part. We started with the lecture: "The soil and its role in regenerative and ecological agriculture" – Dr. inż. Bronisław Puczel from the International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża. Then we listened to the lecture: "The impact of natural fertilizers on the environment and soil fertility" – Dr. inż. Mariusz Brzeziński from the Chemical and Agricultural Station in Olsztyn (SCHR). The third lecture was to delve into - "Rola soi w provotografie" – Emilia Fink-Podyma from the Polish Soy Association. Finally, we have prepared an international meeting: "Terra viva Ibiza land regeneration" – Andrea Abad, S.L. Spain (online lecture).

Key discussion panels

Two main panel discussions took place at the congress. The first, entitled 'Renewable agriculture from the perspective of business, farmers and NGOs', brought together many experts and practitioners from different fields:

• Stefan Krajewski – Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development
• Marek Sinilo – Vice President of the Management Board of the Podlasie Agricultural Chamber
• Roman Windowski – President of the Association of Employers, Owners and Owners of Agriculture
• Anna Jankowska – President of InterTech company
• Marek Tanski – President of the Management Board of Agrolok Sp. z o.o.
• Arkadius Osiecki – Farmer, adviser, student MANS
• Marlena Zaręba – Agrocentrum Marketing Director
• Emilia Fink-Podyma – Polish Soja Association

The second panel, entitled 'Renewable agriculture in contemporary education' and 'Knowledge is the key to savings', highlighted the role of education in promoting regenerative practices. The panel was attended by:

• Dr. Ing. Ireneusz Żuchowski Professor. MANS, Rector of the International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża
• Mariusz Cylwik – Head of the Department of Ecology of the Podlaskie Agricultural Advisory Centre in Szpietów
• Szczepan Leszczyński – Assistant, PhD student – Department of Animal Breeding and Agricultural Advice University of Lublin
• Jolanta Nikscin – Director of ZSCKR in Suwałki
• Sławomir Lomotowski – Director of ZSCKR in Marianów
• Roman Malicki – Director of ZSCKR in Stary Lubiejew

Conclusions and the Future of Regenerative Farming in Poland

Discussions at the congress revealed that regenerative agriculture, although still little known in Poland, has great potential to improve environmental conditions and farm profitability. The introduction of innovative practices such as soil and crop management can bring benefits to both farmers and consumers. The congress concluded with a declaration on the continuation of efforts to promote regenerative agriculture and plans for the next editions of this important event.

As the organizers of the congress, we hope that such initiatives will contribute to a faster adoption of regenerative practices in Polish agriculture, which in the long run will benefit not only farmers but also society as a whole.

Photo gallery