On Friday, June 19th 2015, during a meeting held at the Puławy Research and Technology Park the members of the Puławy Competence Centre Consortium unanimously agreed to accept INTERMAG and ADOB as new Consortium members. INTERMAG is a leading manufacturer of agrochemicals for the agriculture and horticulture industry, as well as livestock disease prevention products. Przedsiębiorstwo Produkcyjno-Consultingowe ADOB is a manufacturer of a wide range of micro-element fertilizers and inorganic chemicals.

The first part of the meeting was devoted to such matters as the programme of initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of nitrogen leaching from agricultural soils and new fertilizer limits imposed under applicable laws. Meeting participants voiced their concerns over the planned restrictions and their consequences for the Polish economy and the agricultural sector. The attendees also touched upon field research accreditation in Poland, including a revision of fertilizer application guidelines. The Consortium members decided to pay a closer attention to the issue as a growing number of large-scale research projects are undertaken in Poland to examine the effectiveness of commercial fertilizers and the agronomic effectiveness of new fertilizer products. Currently, Poland lacks appropriate procedures and control systems for testing the quality of fertilizer products in field trials.

During the second part of the meeting, Dr. Zenon Pokojski, PCC Coordinator, discussed the progress on the projects undertaken by the Centre. He also presented plans related to new publications and the steps taken towards launching an MBA course for agricultural entrepreneurs.

The Consortium members also held a debate on matters submitted by the National Association of Rapeseed and Protein-Rich Plant Producers, concerning a biofuel coalition and approvals to place plant protection products on the market valid for up to 120 days.