Author: Dominik Kaznowski

In December 2024, the Academy of Sustainable Agriculture, the e-learning platform of the Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Poland, introduced four new lessons focusing on the nutrition of farm animals.

These new lessons are part of the “Animal Production” thematic area, which now includes a total of eight lessons dedicated to sustainable animal production management. Since December, users have been able to access the new lessons for free: “Farm Animals Need Feed”, “Sustainable Cattle Nutrition”, “Sustainable Pig Nutrition”, and “Sustainable Poultry Nutrition”. Other lessons in this area include: “Principles of Antibiotic Use in Animal Production”, “Preventing Antibiotic Resistance”, “Biosecurity in Animal Husbandry and Breeding”, and “Animal Welfare”. The Academy now offers a total of 73 lessons across 18 thematic areas.

The development of the Academy would not be possible without the support of companies that recognize the importance of education in building a better agri-food sector.

Education is the foundation of change in agriculture. The Academy is a project that provides farmers and breeders with access to reliable knowledge and practical solutions. We are convinced that, in this way, we can effectively promote the principles of sustainable farming together. The knowledge shared in the lessons has a real impact on the quality of production and animal welfare, offering farmers tangible benefits – both economic and environmental.

– emphasized Marcin Sokołowski, Quality Assurance and Sustainable Development Manager at OSI Food Solutions, a member of the Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Poland.

Modern farms must address the impact of animal nutrition on the environment and meet certification standards to comply with the requirements of sustainable production. Quality food certifications, such as QMP for beef and QAFP for poultry, assure consumers that the products come from farms that prioritize animal welfare and environmental care. In the European Union, special attention is given to sustainable feed production and the absence of GMOs, which affect the nutritional safety and health of animals.

Proper nutrition directly impacts the health and productivity of animals, which in turn influences the profitability of production. Nutritional mistakes can lead to diseases and lower yields, making careful attention to this aspect crucial for the quality of agri-food products and the financial stability of farms.

Sustainable cattle nutrition plays a key role in minimizing methane emissions, improving production efficiency, and ensuring animal health. A well-balanced diet supports proper rumen function, which reduces methane emissions. High-quality forage, such as corn silage, forms the basis of cattle diets, providing essential energy and protein.

In pig farming, sustainable nutrition aims to optimize production while minimizing environmental impact, particularly ammonia emissions. Reducing dietary protein by 1% can lower ammonia emissions by up to 10%. Multi-phase feeding, with varying protein levels in feed, allows for precise adjustments to animals’ needs and can cut ammonia emissions by as much as 25% without reducing production efficiency. The use of synthetic amino acids, enzymes, and feed additives such as organic acids and saponins also improves protein digestion and reduces ammonia emissions from manure.

Poland leads the European Union in chicken and turkey meat production, supplying about 20% of the EU’s eggs. Thanks to modern breeding methods and genetic advances, the country has achieved a high level of poultry production. However, there is a constant need for improvements, especially in broiler meat production, of which 50% is exported. Developing sustainable farming methods, particularly in terms of animal welfare and proper nutrition, is therefore crucial.

Sustainable poultry nutrition considers environmental impacts, minimizes pollution emissions, and ensures efficient use of feed. Key principles include providing suitable environmental conditions, adhering to the limiting nutrient principle, and maximizing the use of local raw materials. The use of protein-rich feeds, including domestic legumes as alternatives to soy, is also significant. Sustainable poultry nutrition aims to enhance bird health and production quality, benefiting both consumers and the environment.

– said Dr. Jerzy Próchnicki, a member of the Management Board of the Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Poland.

The Academy of Sustainable Agriculture is a comprehensive e-learning course offering a compendium of knowledge on sustainable agriculture. The course is available for free at akademiazrownowazenia.pl.

The Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Poland is a non-commercial initiative of a group of companies and individuals representing various sectors of the food chain. The Association undertakes numerous activities to promote, educate, and collaborate in the field of sustainable agriculture and food in Poland.

The Chancellery of the Prime Minister has appointed Małgorzata Bojańczyk, Director of the Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Poland, to the Council of Non-Governmental Organizations for Poland’s Presidency in the Council of the European Union.

The Council serves as a platform for dialogue, experience exchange, and the joint shaping of priorities for Poland’s presidency, utilizing the knowledge and expertise of non-governmental organizations. Council members will be responsible for co-creating the framework of Poland’s presidency to reflect a broad spectrum of social interests. One of the main goals of establishing this advisory body is to raise public awareness about the presidency and its significance for the European Union and Poland, as well as to provide expert support in various areas relevant to the presidency’s agenda.

Organizations that influence the development of civil society in all key areas, including those representing the “green” movement within the third sector, have submitted their representatives. The number and diversity of applications are impressive, and each candidate had to gain the support of at least ten NGOs or three federations. The fact that so many met these criteria highlights the level of engagement in our public life.

– emphasized Marek Krawczyk, Deputy Minister for Civil Society.

The Council consists of 34 members and was established at the initiative of Magdalena Sobkowiak, Undersecretary of State, who also serves as the Plenipotentiary for Poland’s preparation and Presidency in the EU Council, and Marek Krawczyk, Deputy Minister for Civil Society and Vice-Chairman of the Public Benefit Committee. The recruitment process was coordinated by the National Freedom Institute.

Social dialogue is one of the key priorities of our activities. We hope to make a valuable contribution to shaping the priorities of Poland’s presidency, focusing on building the competitiveness of Polish and European agriculture, sustainable food production, and supporting the role of women in the agri-food sector by eliminating barriers, promoting equality, and enhancing career opportunities in this industry.

– said Małgorzata Bojańczyk.

The Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food is a non-commercial initiative of a group of companies and individuals representing various sectors of the food responsibility chain. The Association undertakes numerous activities to promote, educate, and collaborate in the area of sustainable agriculture and food in Poland. In 2024, the Association celebrates its 10th anniversary.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Małgorzata Bojańczyk on her appointment to the Council of Non-Governmental Organizations for Poland’s Presidency in the EU Council.

On September 16, 2024, the members of the Council of Non-Governmental Organizations on Poland’s Presidency in the Council of the European Union held a meeting. During the event, Małgorzata Bojańczyk, Director of the Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, received her nomination from Ministers Marek Krawczyk and Magdalena Sobkowiak.

The nomination ceremony and the Council meeting took place at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Warsaw, in the A. Walentynowicz Hall. The event was attended by representatives of the government and the NGO community.

The meeting was inaugurated by Adam Szłapka, Minister for European Union Affairs. A key moment was the nomination ceremony for the Council members, with the nominations presented by Marek Krawczyk, Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Deputy Minister for Civil Society, and Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Undersecretary of State at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and Plenipotentiary for Poland’s preparation and Presidency in the Council of the European Union.

SOURCE: KPRM.

Following the ceremony, a Q&A session was held, during which participants had the opportunity to ask questions to the ministers and Michał Braun, Director of the National Freedom Institute – Centre for Civil Society Development, about the upcoming challenges related to Poland’s Presidency in the EU Council.

The Council serves as a platform for dialogue, experience exchange, and joint shaping of the priorities of Poland’s Presidency, leveraging the knowledge and experience of non-governmental organizations. Council members are responsible for co-developing the structure of Poland’s Presidency to reflect a broad spectrum of social interests. One of the goals of establishing this advisory body is to raise public awareness of the Presidency and its importance for the European Union and Poland, while providing expert knowledge in various fields relevant to the Presidency’s agenda.

The Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food is a non-commercial initiative of a group of companies and individuals representing different sectors of the food responsibility chain. The Association undertakes a range of activities aimed at promoting, educating, and collaborating in the area of sustainable agriculture and food in Poland. In 2024, the Association celebrates its 10th anniversary.

From August 28 to September 1, an international conference was held in Warsaw, organized by AdiFeed Poultry Academy, a member company of the Association. The event gathered representatives from the poultry industry from various regions of the world.

The conference combined lectures, workshops, and networking sessions, creating a space for discussions on sustainable food production and responsible business practices. Witold Nowak, President of AdiFeed, presented the company’s mission, focusing on innovation, the development of phytogenic products, and the implementation of One Health principles. During the event, challenges in the poultry market, such as avian flu, legislative changes, and effective coccidiosis control programs, were also discussed. Participants emphasized the growing importance of phytoncides in poultry production as an alternative to traditional coccidiostats and antibiotics.

Through comprehensive actions, AdiFeed not only helps reduce the use of antibiotics but also effectively supports gut integrity and the microbiome of animals, which is key to their health and farming efficiency. The company continuously develops its products to meet the demands of both European and international markets, offering innovative solutions that assist customers at every stage of production. We are also developing technologies that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable development. Importantly, the full potential of phytobiotics is still being discovered, leaving room for the introduction of new phytobiotic-based products.

– emphasized Paulina Abramowicz, PhD, Scientific Director at AdiFeed.

During the conference, the company introduced a new phytobiotic product that enhances the quality and safety of poultry meat while improving animal welfare. EU regulations on animal welfare, antibiotic reduction, and challenges related to avian flu were also discussed, highlighting the need for joint efforts to improve poultry production standards and implement alternative solutions. In this context, quality control processes, the use of herbs, and essential oils in poultry production are essential. These efforts result in improved animal health and reduced reliance on traditional chemotherapeutics, supporting sustainable production.