An International Gathering of Agricultural Leaders

Organized under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Congress will bring together agriculture ministers from 15 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Christophe Hansen, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, will also attend and present his vision for the future of rural Europe.

– "Europe’s countryside is undergoing a profound identity transformation," said Czesław Siekierski, Poland’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Knowledge, innovation, and investments are the key to growth, and this Congress will be a platform for discussing how to support generational change effectively."

The event will also feature the first session of the Polish Rural Parliament and presentations of best practices from leading organizations such as Copa-Cogeca and the European Economic and Social Committee.

Wielkopolska in the Spotlight

The choice of Poznań as the Congress venue highlights Wielkopolska's role as a leader in rural development.

– "We are proud to showcase our achievements, such as the Wielkopolska Rural Renewal Program, and share our experiences with European partners," said Marek Woźniak, Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region.

Tomasz Kobierski, President of Grupa MTP, added: – "We are honored to create a space for such an important debate about the future of dynamic, innovative, and thriving rural areas."

EXPO – A Modern Vision of the Countryside

Beyond expert panels, the Congress will feature the Rural Renewal EXPO, open free of charge to all visitors. More than 65 exhibitors will present Polish food, local crafts, new technologies, and rural cultural heritage.

– "Rural areas today are about more than agriculture – they are about innovation, youth energy, and tremendous social potential," emphasized Bogusław Wijatyk, Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Visitors can enjoy pottery and basketry workshops, culinary shows by top Polish chefs, tastings of regional dishes, and performances by folk music and dance groups. The culinary highlight will be the exciting "Battle of the Regions," featuring competitions between Wielkopolska’s local women’s associations.

For more information and the detailed Congress program, visit: www.gov.pl/web/EKOiRW2025 
Register for expert panels here: https://www.gov.pl/web/EKOiRW2025/rejestracja-na-kongres