National Support Centre for Agriculture

This year's Polish Harvest Festival began with an Open-air Holy Mass. Afterwards, a colourful harvest procession made its way through the streets of Spała. Delegations from all over the country arrived for the ceremony, bringing intricate traditional harvest wreaths. The event featured regional products, performances by folk ensembles, handicraft, and attractions for people of all ages.

The Polish Harvest Festival in Spała is one of the most important events to take place in the Polish countryside, dating back to a tradition almost a century old. It is a time to marvel at the farmers' year-long labour and efforts, as well as an opportunity to express gratitude for their contribution to the development of Polish agriculture.

Stefan Krajewski, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, was the host of the entire event held under his honorary patronage. During the ceremony, he thanked farmers for their hard work throughout the year and emphasised the significance of rural Poland to the country's food security. He also noted that Polish food is one of the nation's greatest brands, with its high quality recognised both domestically and consumers worldwide. The Minister also stressed the fact that Polish food exports had reached a record value of nearly PLN 250 billion.

In his address, the Minister also touched upon the challenges farmers had recently faced: drought, frost, hail, and sweltering heat. He emphasised the importance of effective support by the state for farms and the measures taken to foster the development of Polish agriculture and rural areas alike.

Present at the event were representatives of the National Support Centre for Agriculture (KOWR): KOWR Director General Henryk Smolarz and his Deputies, Leszek Iwaniuk and Piotr Kolada.

KOWR at the Polish Harvest Festival

The KOWR Territorial Office in Łódź was among the exhibitors, hosting an information and promotional stand. Staff led by Director Przemysław Jaszczak introduced visitors to KOWR's activities and its role in supporting Polish agriculture.

Our stand attracted farmers, producers, families with children, and individuals interested in the Centre's work. It served primarily as a venue for meetings and direct conversations about KOWR's initiatives, Polish agriculture, Polish food, and informed consumer choices.

Polish food was a key topic. In the #KupujŚwiadomie (#ShopConsciously) zone, visitors could learn how to check a product's origins and which labels and certifications to look for while shopping. KOWR staff encouraged people to choose Polish produce and demonstrated how everyday purchasing decisions can support domestic producers.

Many activities were also prepared for the youngest visitors. At the #KupujŚwiadomie market, children learnt how to choose healthy, local products while having fun. In the "Program dla szkół" (School Programme) zone, activities focused on healthy eating and proper nutritional habits awaited them.

The Harvest Festival in Spała also served as an opportunity to promote Polish food, culinary heritage, and the rich traditions of the Polish countryside. The event once again proved that Polish agriculture is not just about modern food production, but also about the values, culture, and a sense of community built by successive generations.

We thank everyone who visited the KOWR stand during this year's Polish Harvest Festival in Spała.