On 8 July 2025, the main hall of the Polish Parliament hosted the grand opening of the exhibition entitled “Native Livestock Breeds”, organized by the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Kraków.
The exhibition inaugurated the 75th anniversary of the Institute, which for over seven decades has been conducting scientific research, implementation work, and breeding activities for the conservation of biodiversity and the development of Polish zootechnics. The official opening was performed by the Director of the Institute, Tomasz Jacek, Ph.D. Eng., who welcomed the guests and gave a speech emphasizing the importance of this anniversary and the main achievements of the Institute.
In his speech, the Director noted that 2025 is a special year for the Institute, not only because of its 75th anniversary, but also because it marks 20 years since national programmes for the conservation of animal genetic resources began to be co-financed by the European Union. As he emphasized:
“It is with pride and joy that I invite you to visit the exhibition dedicated to the conservation of the genetic resources of native animal breeds in Poland – a subject that lies at the heart of our national, cultural, and agricultural identity. Today’s exhibition is not only a review of the richness of Polish breeds – it is also a tribute to the heritage we protect together and an expression of our concern for the future of agriculture based on diversity, tradition, and responsibility”.
The honorary patrons of the event were:
• Czesław Siekierski – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
• Aleksander Miszalski – Mayor of Kraków,
• Krzysztof Jan Klęczar – Governor of Małopolska Province,
• Dorota Kęsek – Head of Zabierzów Municipality.
During the event, a film was premiered presenting the Institute’s activities – its contribution to the development of Polish zootechnics, the conservation of native breeds, and innovations in breeding and biotechnology.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of state and local authorities, scientific and industry circles. Among the guests of honour were:
Agnieszka Maria Kłopotek – Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland
Urszula Nowogórska – Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland
Stefan Krajewski – Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland
Bogusław Wijatyk – Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Sylwester Świątkiewicz – Deputy Director for Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production
Tomasz Szanser – Deputy Director for Infrastructure, National Research Institute of Animal Production
Paulina Peckiel – Director of the Office of the Polish Horse Breeders Association
Sławomir Piotrowski – President of the Polish Horse Breeders Association
Dawid Pasiński – President of the Management Board of the Prof. Czaja Experimental Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Grodziec Śląski Sp. z o.o.
Jerzy Fijał – President of the Board of the Chorzelów Experimental Station Sp. z o.o. of the National Research Institute of Animal Production
Władysław Brejta – President of the Board of the Odrzechowa Experimental Station Sp. z o.o. of the National Research Institute of Animal Production
Kamila Kłos – Director of the Kołuda Wielka Experimental Station, National Research Institute of Animal Production
The aim of the exhibition is to showcase the richness of Polish native breeds and highlight their role in an agricultural system based on sustainable development, tradition, and responsibility. The exhibition also provides an opportunity to reflect on the value of preserving the genetic heritage of the countryside, developed by generations of breeders and supported by the scientific community.
The exhibition is open to visitors from 7 to 14 July 2025, in the main hall of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland.
We invite everyone interested in the conservation of native breeds to come and see it.
