Association for Sustainable Agriculture & Food in Poland

Sustainable food

is a product of sustainable agriculture. It is a model of agriculture that cares about the environment and climate, the farmer's finances and is accepted by society.

Food security

Agricultural production must feed the world. Along with the growing number of people (in 2050, according to the UN – 9.7 billion people), the demand for food is increasing. Sustainable agriculture is able to offer a reduction in the negative impact of agriculture on the environment and climate, and to keep the appropriate scale of production, while maintaining the financial stability of farms and ensuring food security.

Food quality

When buying sustainable agriculture products, their high quality is guaranteed. This is possible thanks to the application of appropriate standards and certificates regarding the cultivation, breeding and processing of such products.

Polish agriculture

An important element of sustainability is sourcing food from local farmers. Thanks to this, the path of agricultural products from the field to the processor or store is maximally shortened. Food is fresh, transport does not produce unnecessary emissions, and farmers benefit from permanent contracts with consumers.

Education

The shift towards sustainability of food production requires adequate primary up to university education. Additionally, trainings, e.g. ASAP Academy, as well as workshops organized by companies, agronomic consulting, visits to demonstration farms help farmers to develop together with the companies.

Farmers

They shorten supply chains, work with local farmers and suppliers who use sustainable farming practices. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Processors

They shorten supply chains, work with local farmers and suppliers who use sustainable farming practices. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sellers

They inform consumers about sustainable food. They shorten supply chains, work in partnership with local farmers and suppliers who use sustainable farming practices. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Finance

Responsible financing of green investments is based on business plans and scenarios taking into account the risks. Agricultural entrepreneurs and processors can take advantage of green financing provided by banks and EU funds as the Common Agricultural Policy.

Standards

Thanks to the application of appropriate standards and certifications, consumers gain access to the products of sustainable agriculture with a guarantee of high quality.

Consumers

They consciously buy high-quality agricultural products at an affordable price that have been created with care for the environment, climate and animal welfare. They care about the recycling of packaging.

Dialogue

Everyone responsibly applies legal regulations, conducts dialogue in partnerships on how to support agriculture in Poland to make it more sustainable and crisis-resistant.

Environmental

Food production must be environmentally and climate-friendly. It should take care of soil regeneration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save water resources.

Economical

Food production must be profitable for farmers. It should provide a stable source of income, allow for investments in the development of the farm and optimize agricultural production.

Social

The way food is made must be in line with social expectations. This means that agricultural production is environmentally and climate-friendly, and the working conditions on the farm are safe and legal.

Sustainable food in Poland

Potatoes

Sustainable potatoes most often come from the Pomorskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships, as well as cultivated in Greater Poland, Żuławy and Kujawy. When buying fries or potato pancakes one can also find those that are made from sustainable potatoes.

Cereals

A significant part of barley cultivated in Poland is sustainable malting barley used for beer production in Polish breweries. Such barley is cultivated in Poland, among others, in the Pomeranian, Warmian-Masurian and Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeships.

Vegetables

In almost every Polish city you can buy vegetables from sustainable crops. One of the largest farms of this type is located in the landscape park near Puck in Rzucewo.

Fruit

A significant part of the fruit juices produced in Poland comes from sustainable apples. In Poland, one of the largest processing centers is located in the Masurian Voivodeship in Kozietuły near Mogielnica. Sustainable apples can also be found in the Grójecko-Warka and Sandomierz regions. Sustainable raspberries are grown in the Lublin region, and sustainable strawberries in Mazovia.

Meat and dairy products

Sustainable food producers care about animal welfare, reducing the use of antibiotics or reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from breeding. Sustainable farms dealing with animal production can be found in Greater Poland, Masurian and in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship.

Key figures

75% of Poles

want to buy sustainable food

73% of Poles

are guided by the Polish and local origin of products when choosing

82% of Poles

believe that retail chains should offer sustainable food

More information on this subject can be found in our report - Sustainable food in Poland A turning point in the food industry