May 28, 2026, became a special day for Lithuania’s farming community. The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania began with a Holy Mass at the Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Garrison Church) in Kaunas.
During the service, prayers were offered for Lithuanian farmers, their families, rural communities, and all those whose lives are closely connected to the land. It was a meaningful opening to the centennial celebration, reminding participants that the strength of rural Lithuania has always been built not only on hard work, but also on faith, solidarity, and responsibility.
Following the Mass, participants marched in a ceremonial procession to the oak tree planted in honor of the Chamber of Agriculture in the park of the Kaunas County Public Library. A symbolic ceremony took place there, accompanied by a commemorative group photograph. The procession then continued to the headquarters of the Chamber of Agriculture.
The Beginning of the Centennial Celebration
At noon, the main anniversary event commenced in the Grand Hall of the Chamber of Agriculture. Event host Liudas Mikalauskas recalled the words of Professor Jonas Pranas Aleksa, the initiator of the Chamber of Agriculture, spoken in 1926: “The Chamber of Agriculture is the only self-governance institution capable of creating an organized and strong community of farmers and transforming it into an active economic force within the state.”
A century later, these words remain highly relevant. Throughout its history, the Chamber of Agriculture has become Lithuania’s leading agricultural self-governance institution, uniting diverse agricultural sectors, rural communities, and organizations.
Bread-Honoring Ceremony
One of the most touching moments of the celebration was the bread-honoring ceremony. A loaf of bread was carried into the hall by Adas, Vėja, Vaida, and Gintaras Jateika.
In Lithuanian culture, bread has long symbolized life, labor, family, community, and respect for the land. It was therefore fitting that the centennial celebration began with a tribute to bread.
Monsignor Kęstutis Latoža blessed the bread, the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, and the entire farming community. Following the blessing, Chairwoman Algimanta Pabedinskienė accepted the blessed bread as a symbol of unity, solidarity, and respect for human labor.
Distinguished National and International Guests
The centennial celebration was attended by Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and patron of the anniversary.
Also present was Audrius Palionis, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania.
Members of Parliament in attendance included Matas Skamarakas, Audrius Radvilavičius, and Arūnas Dudėnas.
Representatives of diplomatic missions included François Viel, Aurelija Smaliukienė, and Elvire Ergmann from the French Embassy in Lithuania; Vladyslav Zozulia and Andriy Buryak from the Embassy of Ukraine in Lithuania; and Victor Palii from the Embassy of Moldova.
International partners also participated, including Jurgen Tack, Secretary General of the European Landowners’ Organization, Wiktor Szmulewicz, President of the National Council of Agricultural Chambers of Poland, and representatives from Poland, Latvia, and other partner countries.
Social Partners and Local Government Representatives
Among the guests were representatives of national institutions, business organizations, trade unions, chambers of commerce, and municipal authorities. Mayors, deputy mayors, and heads of municipal departments actively participated in the celebration.
Forty Organizations – One Community
Following a commemorative video presentation, leaders and representatives of all 40 member organizations of the Chamber of Agriculture were invited onto the stage.
In a symbolic gesture, they attached wishes for the Chamber’s next century to a handcrafted traditional Lithuanian “sodas” ornament, expressing hopes for continued unity and development.
Address by Chairwoman Algimanta Pabedinskienė
On behalf of the entire Chamber of Agriculture community, Chairwoman Algimanta Pabedinskienė delivered an address.
She emphasized that one hundred years represent not only a chapter of history, but also a story of hard work, responsibility, community spirit, and love for the land.
The Chairwoman expressed her gratitude to all generations who helped build the Chamber of Agriculture, defended its ideals, and continue to carry out its mission today.
Special appreciation was extended to the current Chamber of Agriculture community, member organizations, Council members, staff, and all farmers who strengthen agricultural self-governance and advocate for the interests of rural Lithuania.
“Lithuania Dear”
Following the group photograph, all participants joined together in singing “Lithuania Dear” (“Lietuva brangi”), the renowned work by Maironis and Juozas Naujalis.
The song became one of the most emotional moments of the celebration and served as a symbolic expression of gratitude to Lithuania, its people, and its rural communities.
Honouring the Signatories of the Re-establishment Conference
Special tribute was paid to those who participated in the Conference for the Re-establishment of the Chamber of Agriculture of Lithuania 35 years ago.
The following individuals were honoured:
Gražina Viktorija Petrošienė, Ernestas Alionis, Alvydas Baležentis, Antanas Sviderskis, and Valentinas Aleksa.
Former leaders of the Chamber of Agriculture were also recognized: Albertas Amšiejus, Sigitas Dimaitis, and dr. Arūnas Svitojus.
Presentation of the Order “For Merits to Agricultural Self-Governance and Rural Development”
By decision of the Presidium of the Chamber of Agriculture, the Order “For Merits to Agricultural Self-Governance and Rural Development” was awarded to:
Guntis Gutmanis, Barbara Ewa Laskowska, Dr. Arūnas Svitojus, Algis Baravykas, Vytautas Buivydas, Julius Grašys, Dr. Rūta Šveistienė, Birutė Ramanauskienė, and Saulius Daniulis.
It was also announced that the award had been granted to Romuald Tanski, who will receive it during a ceremony in Poland.
Awards Presented by the Speaker of the Seimas
The Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Juozas Olekas, presented awards to: Vitalija Kuliešienė, Donatas Montvila, Adolfas Jasinevičius, Dr. Algis Gaižutis, and Kristina Švedaitė.
Each recipient was recognized for long-standing service, leadership, representation of farmers’ interests, and significant contributions to the development of Lithuanian agriculture.
Greetings from the Minister of Agriculture
The celebration was honoured by the presence of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, Audrius Palionis, who congratulated the Chamber of Agriculture community on its distinguished anniversary and wished the organization continued success in its second century of activity.
Minister Audrius Palionis presented awards to: Dr. Edvardas Gedgaudas, Rimantas Kairys, Kęstutis Armonas, Jonas Kuzminskas, Egidijus Mickevičius, and Viktorija Švedienė.
Appreciation for the Creators of the Celebration
Special thanks were extended to those who contributed to the aesthetics of the centennial celebration, including floral arrangements and decorative elements.
Acknowledgements were presented to: Birutė Viršilaitienė, Aurelija Rukšaitė, Irena Balčienė, Agnė Žaromskaitė, Jūratė Bytautė, Rita Budrevičienė, Aldona Valkauskienė, Inga Nėnienė, Birutė Račkaitienė, Vilija Ratautienė, Laima Rudžionienė, florist Marijus Gvildys, the Director of the Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre, and the entire institution’s community.
Appreciation to the Sponsors of the Centennial Celebration
Sincere gratitude was expressed to the organizations and companies whose support contributed to the successful organization of the 100th Anniversary of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania:
- Lithuanian Greenhouse Association;
- Association of Commercial Berry Growers;
- Lithuanian Vegetable Growers Association;
- UAB Kietaviškių Daržovės;
- Šalčininkai District Farmers’ Association;
- UAB Litgenas Lietuva–Vokietija;
- AB Vilkijos Ūkis;
- Lithuanian Fur Animal Breeders Association;
- Biržai District Farmers’ Association;
- UAB IDAVANG;
- Agricultural Cooperative Lithuanian Farm Quality;
- UAB Vetmarket;
- Lithuanian Pig Producers Association;
- UAB Cesta;
- Lithuanian Meat Processors Association;
- Association of Hemp Growers, Processors and Business Innovators;
- Agricultural Cooperative Suvalkijos Daržovės;
- UAB Evaldo Daržovės;
- Lithuanian Association of Commercial Orchards Fruit and Berries;
- VH Lietuva, a branch of Vereinigte Hagelversicherung VVAG.
A Century – A Strong Foundation for the Future
The 100th Anniversary of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania became not only a celebration of history but also a testament to the strength of community, partnership, and unity.
Over the past century, the Chamber of Agriculture has remained an organization that unites diverse farmers’ associations, represents their interests, and brings together rural Lithuania in pursuit of common goals.
Throughout the celebration, one message resonated repeatedly: Lithuania’s strength begins with people, families, communities, and the land they cultivate.
Therefore, the centennial celebration was not only an opportunity to honour a proud past but also to look confidently toward the future, continuing the anniversary motto: “100 Years Growing Together with Lithuania.”