On 5–6 September, representatives of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania (LAC) and its member organisations attended the 26th Warmian-Masurian Breeding Animals Exhibition (XXVI Warmińsko-Mazurska Wystawa Zwierząt Hodowlanych) in Gryźliny, Poland, at the invitation of the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers (PFHBiPM).
The visit provided an excellent opportunity not only to learn more about Poland’s achievements in animal breeding, but also to strengthen cooperation between Lithuanian and Polish agricultural organisations, exchange experience and discuss issues of common importance to the livestock sectors of both countries.
Lithuania was represented at the exhibition by Andžej Kulevičius, Vice-Chairman of LAC; Dr Arūnas Svitojus, Honorary Chairman of LAC; Sigitas Dimaitis, Director of LAC; Viktorija Švedienė, President of the Lithuanian Cattle Breeders Association; Dr Edvardas Gedgaudas, Director of the Lithuanian Cattle Breeders Association; and Barbara Novikova, farmer and representative of the Šalčininkai District Farmers’ Association.
The 26th Warmian-Masurian Breeding Animals Exhibition took place on 5–6 September in Gryźliny, in Poland’s Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. It was organised together with the 32nd “agroWARMA 2026” Autumn Agricultural Fair, one of the largest agricultural events in north-eastern Poland.
Dairy Cattle Breeding in the Spotlight
The exhibition programme placed particular emphasis on breeding animals and dairy cattle breeding.
On 5 September, dairy cattle were evaluated, with champions and reserve champions selected in the respective categories.
Participants had an excellent opportunity to see some of the finest animals presented by Polish breeders and to learn about breeding results, advances in genetics and practical solutions applied on modern livestock farms.
On the first day of the exhibition, a meeting brought together exhibitors, breeders, representatives of the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers (PFHBiPM) and invited guests. Such meetings provide an important opportunity to discuss current developments in the sector in an informal setting, exchange experience between countries and establish new professional contacts.
On 6 September, the Young Breeder Competition took place, followed by an awards ceremony honouring the breeders of the animals presented at the exhibition and a showcase of the highest-rated animals in the show ring.
An Important Opportunity to Exchange Experience
“Our delegation’s participation in the exhibition is important for strengthening our relations with Polish farmers’ and breeders’ organisations. Lithuania and Poland are connected not only by their geographical proximity, but also by many common interests in the agricultural sector – the situation of dairy farmers, the competitiveness of livestock farms, progress in animal breeding, the administrative burden faced by farmers, environmental requirements and the future direction of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy.
It is therefore no coincidence that two years ago, in 2024, the Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania and Lithuanian cattle breeding organisations signed cooperation agreements with the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers. This means that our targeted cooperation and exchange of knowledge are ongoing,” said Andžej Kulevičius, Vice-Chairman of LAC.
Direct contacts between farmers and their organisations make it possible to compare the experience of both countries, discuss practical challenges and seek common positions on issues addressed not only at national level but also at European Union level.
Cooperation is particularly important in the livestock and dairy sectors, where farmers in both Lithuania and Poland face similar challenges related to the economic viability of farms, production costs, milk purchase prices, generational renewal and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
“agroWARMA” – A Meeting Place for Farmers and Agricultural Organisations
Held alongside the breeding animals exhibition, “agroWARMA 2026” brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural sector, not only livestock breeders.
The fair showcased agricultural machinery, animal feed, livestock housing equipment, fertilisers and plant protection products, construction and renewable energy solutions, as well as traditional and regional food products. Agricultural and rural development institutions and organisations also presented their activities at the event.
The participation of LAC and its member organisations in this event continues the long-standing cooperation with Polish agricultural and breeders’ organisations and provides further opportunities to strengthen dialogue and seek common solutions to issues affecting agriculture in both Lithuania and Poland.