National Support Centre for Agriculture

Exchange of experiences through international cooperation

The event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, brought together 19 representatives of the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities. During the 5-day training session (August 30–September 5, 2026), the guests had the opportunity to learn about Poland’s experiences with European integration and the functioning of agriculture and rural areas in the European Union. The program also covered issues related to the development of legislation, the establishment of administrative structures, and the implementation of procedures in line with European Union standards.

The lectures were presented by experts representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Agriculture Restructurisation and Modernisation Agency, the General Inspectorate for the Quality of Agri-Food Products, the General Inspectorate for Plant Health and Seed Inspection, the State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service, the National Research Institute of Animal Production, and the National Support Centre for Agriculture.

Program for schools: proven solutions and measurable results

KOWR was represented by Paweł Truszkowski, Deputy Director of the Department for the Support of Consumption. He discussed key aspects of the Program for schools' operation as well as implementation challenges, highlighting solutions developed by the Polish administration over the years. He also presented results confirming the success of these school-based programs, which aim to foster proper dietary habits in children by increasing their consumption of fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. The data confirm that the Program for Schools is one of the most effective educational initiatives in this field and successfully supports the development of healthy eating habits among children.

Experience gained during the implementation of the program shows that combining educational activities with the regular provision of valuable products yields tangible results.

Experience in implementing school programs

The Program for schools is currently one of the most important instruments supporting nutrition education for primary school students. In its current form, it has been implemented in Poland since the 2017/2018 school year. It was created by merging two previously existing mechanisms: "Milk at School" and "Fruit and Vegetables at School."

Years of experience gained during the program's implementation and coordination have enabled the development of effective organizational and educational solutions. Thanks to these, the initiative reaches nearly two million primary school students annually, and the Polish experience can serve as a valuable source of knowledge for countries developing their own programs to support children's nutrition and education.

Study visits in Małopolska region

In addition to attending lectures, representatives from Moldova and Ukraine took part in study visits. They visited the University of Agriculture in Kraków, the Małopolska Agricultural Advisory Centre in Karniowice, and the Local Product Centre in Rzuchowa. The program also included a presentation on Polish experiences regarding the development of wine tourism and the promotion of local products.

The "Summer School for the Administrations of Moldova and Ukraine," launched in 2024, provides expert support to the administrations of both countries as they prepare for European Union membership. Participants have the opportunity to learn about Poland’s experience with European integration, the development of agricultural support systems, and the alignment of the agricultural sector with EU requirements.

KOWR Consumption Support Department