On 13–14 September 2025, the 33rd Agricultural Exhibition – Agropromocja 2025 – was held at the John Paul II Diocesan Pilgrimage Centre in Stary Sącz. It is the largest agricultural event in Małopolska, which for over three decades has successfully brought together agricultural, scientific, and local government communities, as well as enthusiasts of regional products and rural cultural heritage.
This year’s edition once again confirmed its prestige and unique character, providing a space for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and good practices. The event was organized by the Małopolska Agricultural Advisory Centre in Karniowice. The co-organizers of this year’s edition were: the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Balice, the Hugo Kołłątaj University of Agriculture in Krakow, the County Office in Nowy Sącz, and the Municipality of Stary Sącz. The National Research Institute of Animal Production has been actively involved in the organization and implementation of Agropromocja for many years, promoting the importance of breeding native livestock breeds, products derived from these breeds, and supporting local producers and the genetic heritage of the Polish countryside. Participation in the Exhibition once again confirmed the Institute’s commitment to combining scientific achievements with agricultural practice and the broadly understood promotion of Polish breeding.
The numerous participants had the opportunity to take part in a roast bull tasting organized by the National Research Institute of Animal Production. In addition to its culinary value, the event was an excellent opportunity to promote modern methods of preparing and serving high-quality meat obtained from native livestock breeds. On Sunday, the main stage hosted a demonstration of soap making from mare’s milk – an innovative example of the use of natural animal-based raw materials in the production of ecological and unique products. This initiative attracted considerable interest from participants, highlighting the practical application of scientific achievements in the context of native breeds. At the same time, a culinary competition for rural housewives, “Kuchenne Potyczki” (Kitchen Battles), was held, in which participants presented dishes prepared from local products, according to traditional recipes from the region. The competition was judged by a jury chaired by renowned culinary expert Mikołaj Rey, and supervised by acclaimed chef Wiesław Wróblewski, who specializes in traditional cuisine.
The National Research Institute of Animal Production also prepared a comprehensive information exhibition, where visitors could learn about the latest scientific research results, the range of services offered by the Institute’s laboratories, and educational materials on the conservation of livestock genetic resources. The attractions were complemented by shows of native horse breeds and equestrian presentations with elements of the Hucul trail, which were very popular with both younger and older audiences.
The event included a panel discussion entitled “Tradition and modernity in rural development”, in which the Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, Tomasz Jacek, PhD Eng., took part. Experts representing various communities debated how modern technologies can support the development of the Polish countryside and preserve its cultural heritage without compromising its identity and continuity of tradition. An important aspect of the Institute’s involvement in this year’s edition of the event was also its active participation in the organization of the 22nd edition of the National Safe Farm Competition, organized by the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS). The National Research Institute of Animal Production acted as a sponsor of the awards for the winners of the provincial stage – three winners and six runners-up. The awards ceremony, presided over by the Director of the Institute, took place during the opening gala of Agropromocja 2025.
During this year’s edition of Agropromocja 2025, the Experimental Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Kołuda Wielka and the Waterfowl Genetic Resources Station in Dworzyska were honoured with a distinction. The award was granted for the excellent presentation of the following goose breeds: White Kołuda®, Landes, Podkarpacka, and Garbonosa, as well as the following duck breeds: Dworka, Biegus, Polish Pekin, P-33, and KHO. The award was received on behalf of the Station by Jakub Kalisz, MSc Eng., Head of the Waterfowl Genetic Resources Station in Dworzyska. The diploma was presented during an official ceremony on 14 September 2025.
The National Research Institute of Animal Production, as a co-organizer of the event, once again confirmed its important role in combining scientific and research activities with agricultural practice and the promotion of the cultural heritage of the Polish countryside. The Institute’s participation in Agropromocja 2025 served not only to popularize native livestock breeds and products derived from them, but also to promote innovative solutions that coexist harmoniously with traditional values. This year’s exhibition became a space for meetings and dialogue between farmers, breeders, rural residents, representatives of institutions, and guests from all over Poland. Its success was made possible thanks to the extensive cooperation of various communities—scientific, agricultural, and local government—united around the common goal of developing modern, sustainable Polish agriculture rooted in tradition.
More photos from this event can be found on the NRIAP Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/IZOO.PIB