Farmers rarely adopt new solutions simply because they are innovative. They do so when those solutions deliver measurable, proven benefits. This message was shared by Dr. Olaf Horbańczuk, Director of the Polish Association of Sustainable Agriculture and Food (ASAF), during the European Agricultural Forum 2026 in Jasionka, where our Association served as an industry partner.
Panel participants also included:
- Prof. Bartłomiej Glina (Poznań University of Life Sciences)
- Milda Krauzlis (EIT Food)
- Dr. Tomasz Drabik (Orlen)
- Iwona Polewska‑Jankowiak (BIO‑GEN)
The discussion, moderated by Dr. Maria Walerowska, Editor‑in‑Chief of TOP AGRAR Polska, explored the relationship between innovation and the economic viability of agricultural production.
Innovation through improved practices
In the field of soil health, innovation rarely means creating something entirely new. It means refining and improving proven agronomic practices.
The fundamental principles of sound soil management have been known for decades; what continues to advance is the precision of their application and the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Modern technology and research now enable farmers to fine‑tune their management practices to local conditions and continuously improve them using reliable data.
The concept of innovation still plays an important role — it helps emphasize the relevance of these practices across the agricultural sector. Particularly dynamic progress is taking place in soil biology and microbiology, where new discoveries are emerging rapidly.
Building resilience through regenerative farming
Implementing regenerative agricultural practices, guided by data and supported by modern tools, strengthens a farm’s resilience to climate stress, market fluctuations, and economic uncertainty.
Soils rich in organic matter can retain several times more water than degraded ones. This enhances yield stability in dry seasons and reduces the need for external inputs over time, creating measurable economic benefits.Because these gains develop gradually, consistent policy and financial support is essential to help farmers maintain direction throughout the transition.
Sustainable farming creates lasting value
Sustainable, data‑driven production delivers premium value and long‑term competitiveness in global markets. It improves access to finance, builds trust with supply‑chain partners, and strengthens the market position of agricultural producers.
As Dr. Olaf Horbańczuk emphasized:
Sustainability supported by verifiable data strengthens a farm’s market position and builds lasting competitive advantage. A farm built on regenerative principles earns stronger trust from buyers and investors — and is better equipped to face the challenges ahead.
The European Agricultural Forum 2026
The European Agricultural Forum is one of Poland’s leading agri‑food events, organized by the European Fund for the Development of Polish Villages Foundation. The 2026 edition, held on 1–2 April at ZEN.COM EXPO in Jasionka near Rzeszów, gathered over 3,000 participants, including farmers, processors, advisers, researchers, and policymakers from across Europe.
See you next year.