On 26 September 2025, the Second Balice Native Breeds Fair was held in Balice, organized by the Department of Sheep and Goat Breeding of the National Research Institute of Animal Production. During the event, goat breeders participating in the Genetic Resources Conservation Programme presented their products. The fair was officially opened by the Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, Tomasz Jacek, PhD Eng.
The exhibitors presented a wide range of products, including excellent goat cheeses – both fresh and mature – goat feta, smoked cheeses, yoghurts and goat’s milk whey. There were also meat products, such as goat sausage and goat meat pâté with pumpkin. Visitors could also try honey, herbal preparations and cheesecake made with goat ricotta. All products were available for purchase during the Fair. The event was an excellent opportunity to establish contact with producers of food derived from native goats. Among the exhibitors were also representatives of the National Research Institute of Animal Production with an offer of products derived from native pig breeds. Visitors could also purchase cow’s milk cheeses, grilled cheeses with cranberries, and even taste and purchase goat roast, which was offered by one of the exhibitors.
After the Fair, a Scientific Conference was held in the Institute’s conference room, inaugurated by the Director of the Institute, Tomasz Jacek, PhD Eng. Among the topics discussed were lectures that aroused great interest among the audience:
- Combating internal parasites using traditional and pharmacological methods – Robert Garstka, MSc
- Methods of increasing milk yield from native goat breeds – Jacek Sikora, PhD Eng.
- The use of feed in the nutrition of small ruminants – Jarosław Koński, PhD
- Veterinary prophylaxis during the lactation period in goats – Jarosław Wieczorek, PhD
After the conference part, a meeting and consultation of the Association of Breeders and Supporters of Native Goat Breeds took place.
Acknowledgements and photo report
We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who visited the Fair and took part in the Conference, dedicating their time to discussions and sharing experiences. Your presence and interest are the best confirmation for us that our activities respond to the real needs of agriculture.
