Prof. Dr. DSc, Eng. Dorota Konopacka

Director of the Research Institute of Horticulture – National Research Institute since 2019, food technologist with 25 years of experience in research for Polish horticulture. Independent researcher at the Fruit and Vegetable Processing Laboratory, engaged in interdisciplinary projects. Specializes in advanced storage and processing techniques, creating innovative, health-promoting foods, and promoting the consumption of plant-based products rich in natural bioactive compounds. As director, she focuses on developing research infrastructure, implementing state-of-the-art analytical methods, and supporting the competitiveness of the horticulture sector. Her scientific achievements and managerial skills strengthen the position of Polish horticulture both nationally and internationally.

Dr. DSc, Eng. Grzegorz Doruchowski

Professorat the Institute of Horticulture– NationalResearchInstitute, a graduate of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW, Faculty of Agricultural and Forest Technology), hasbeenconductingresearch and training in precise, safe, and effective plant protectiontechniquesat the Institute of Horticulture – NationalResearchInstitutesince 1983. He hascompletedinternships in the USA, Sweden, and Belgium. A long-timeorganizer and member of the SuproFruitscientificcommittee, he is the chairman of the EUFRIN Spray Application Technology group and a participant in the SETAC-DRAW and SPISE initiatives. He hascoordinatednumerousnational and internationalprojects and lecturedatvenuesincluding the TOPPS Academy and BTSF. He is the author/co-author of 12 patents, scientificpublications, integratedpest management methodologies, instructionalvideos, and decision-makingtools. He haspresentedatover 250 national and internationalconferences.

Dr. DSc, Eng. Adam Ekielski

A graduate of the Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Precision Mechanics (now Mechatronics), specializing in Industrial Automation. Professor and researcher at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at SGGW, author of over 130 scientific papers and 100 popular science articles. An expert in mechanical engineering and technologies for the agri-food industry, he specializes in intelligent biodegradable materials and sensors with a programmed lifespan. He collaborates with international teams (Austria, Czech Republic, India, Portugal, Romania) on nanobiomaterials. Founder and CEO of the start-up HISMART, and long-time collaborator with the Polish Chamber of Agricultural Machinery and Devices. Recipient of numerous awards, author of the first Polish book on mechatronic systems in agriculture.

Dr. Witold Boguta

Graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture at SGGW, President of the National Union of Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ Groups, expert in market organization, producer groups, and agricultural cooperatives. Co-author of the Polish law on producer groups, author of around 40 manuals and guides, and over 300 industry articles. Speaker at numerous conferences, lecturer at hundreds of training courses and workshops for farmers, rural residents, and agri-food professionals. For years, he has supported the development of producer cooperation and strengthening market positions, making him one of the key leaders in the Polish horticultural sector.

Dr. Andrzej Soska

Graduate and doctorate holder from SGGW, specialist in pomology with experience in Poland, Canada, the Netherlands, and the USA. He runs an orchard farm and Soska Consulting, offering independent advisory services for apple and pear producers. Combines practical expertise with research in plant protection, agronomy, fruit physiology, and storage. Author of scientific publications, frequent speaker at industry events, and promoter of modern technologies in fruit production. Privately, he is passionate about photography and traveling with his family. His knowledge and experience make him a valued expert in pome fruit production, supporting growers in improving yield quality and farm management.

Dr. Radosław Michał Łaźny

Expert in international vegetable and berry production, specializing in hydroponic and traditional cultivation methods, both conventional and organic. Author and co-author of numerous scientific publications, also engaged in soil reclamation and protection of the soil microbiome. Owner of Plon Expert, an agronomic consultancy operating in Europe and beyond, providing tailored solutions for vegetable and berry producers. Promotes conscious food production and reducing agriculture’s environmental impact. Combines practice, research, and advisory work, supporting sustainable production methods and introducing innovations to farms of all scales.

Mariusz Podymniak

Editor and enthusiast of blueberries and bees, with over 30 years in the horticultural industry. After 10 years of vocational education, he began working in a horticultural publishing house, covering modern farms and technologies in fruit growing, nursery production, vegetable growing, and ornamental plants. Over time, he focused on berry crops and field vegetables. Co-founder (2011) of Hortus Media, publisher of “Jagodnik” and the portal jagodnik.pl, as well as warzywapolowe.pl. For years, he has promoted modern solutions and innovative growing techniques, supporting producers in process optimization and yield improvement. Combines expert knowledge with a passion for popularizing the horticulture industry.

Jacek Kłudka

Araduate of the Faculty of Forestry at SGGW, founder (1992) of Oikos Publishing House, publisher of industry magazines “Las Polski” and “Brać Łowiecka”, and co-publisher of “Jagodnik” magazine. For over 15 years, Director of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Fair (TSW), one of the largest industry events in Central and Eastern Europe. Originator and organizer of the Prof. Szczepan A. Pieniążek Award, honoring innovations in fruit growing.