The inaugural consignment of Polish apples, designated as the official fruit for the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU, was dispatched to Brussels on Wednesday from the Grójec orchards. These apples, originating from the Grójec region, celebrated as 'the largest orchard in Europe' and boasting a cultivation history spanning almost 500 years, are distinguished by their sweet flavor, unique aroma, and a pronounced blush indicative of high pigment content. In 2011, 'jabłka grójeckie' achieved recognition in the EU register as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), a mark denoting regional products of exceptional quality with a direct link to their place of production.
As part of the Presidency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has finalized an agreement to supply over 82,000 apples for various meetings, including summits and ministerial conferences, both in Poland and Brussels. This initiative mirrors the promotion of Polish strawberries during the 2011 Presidency, serving as a prime exhibition of Polish agricultural prowess. "Polish apples will be served to participants at the most important events that will take place in Poland and Brussels as part of the Presidency. In this way, the participants of these events will be able to experience the unique taste and appreciate the top quality of Grójec apples," stated Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Undersecretary of State, Plenipotentiary of the Minister for European Union Affairs for the Preparation and Holding of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Poland's status as the EU's top apple producer was highlighted by Adam Nowak, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Polish apples are our pride. It is a symbol of the success of Polish fruit farming achieved during the 20 years of Poland's presence in the European Union," he remarked, adding, "Polish fruit growers have been able to make good use of EU funds. Today, we produce excellent fruit, which makes us stand out in the European Union."
Source: gov.pl