Cattle and Pig Breeding as a Source of Income for the Farmers in the Region of Kurpie Białe
No. 27-0635-01-1

Kurpie Biale is a beautiful and very agricultural region of Poland located 100km to east from Warsaw. Farm land constitutes about 70% of total area of this region and the majority of it is composed of natural meadows and pastures. Farming has been always the main source of income for the inhabitants of this region, since there is a lack of industry there. Traditionally, the farmers have been passing on their land from one generation to another. This habit is so deeply rooted in the community that young farmers are still willing to stay in the country and prepare their children to take over the farms.

Like many rural areas in Poland, Kurpie Białe was negatively affected by economic transformation of the country. More and more challenging requirements force farmers to renovate their farms, which small scale farmers usually can't afford. Instead of being discouraged, however, the local farmers of Kurpie have been looking for workable solutions to their situation. This is how they decided to apply for HPI assistance, hoping that HPI project would allow them to start producing not only for self-consumption, but also for market in order to make income for their families.

Since there have always been two dominant directions of animal breeding in the area - cattle and pig production - HPI project has been designed to support their development. Simmental cattle was agreed to be the most suitable choice for the prospective HPI project participants. This multi-purpose cattle produces good amount and quality of milk as well as good quantity and quality of meat. In regards to pigs, the old Polish Zlotnicka Biala Pig breed was chosen. In addition, all of the project participants will receive training in animal breeding, organic farming and environmentally friendly farming practices.

During four years of HPI project development, 30 farm families will be provided with one Simmental heifer each and another 6 families with two or three sows.

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