AMBASSADOR HONORS POLISH PROFESSOR FOR DISTINGUISHED

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 WARSAW 000086 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS USDA FAS FOR OA/YOST; OFSA/LEE, SCHAYES, YOUNG; OCRA/ALEXANDER, CURTIS, SEIDBAND; OGA/CHAUDHRY STATE FOR EUR/NCE BRUSSELS PASS AG MINISTER COUNSELOR; FODAG ROME FOR AG COUNSELOR; EUROPEAN POSTS FOR AGR/ECON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO PGOV PL SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR HONORS POLISH PROFESSOR FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE WARSAW 00000086 001.2 OF 002 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED ¶1. (U) Summary. January 17, Ambassador Victor Ashe presented an award to Professor Henryk Jasiorowski, acknowledging his scientific work and leadership to develop Polish and global agriculture. The award, a post-initiated project of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),recognizes Jasiorowski, an animal scientist specializing in cattle breeding, for his support for sound scientific practices and his agricultural leadership. Jasiorowski was Chancellor of Warsaw Agricultural University (SGGW) and Assistant Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, among other leadership posts. In remarks, Jasiorowski thanked America for its long term assistance to develop Poland. End summary. ¶2. (U) Professor Henryk Jasiorowski's accomplishments range from ground-breaking scientific research on livestock genetics to leadership positions as Chancellor of the Warsaw Agricultural University (SGGW),Assistant Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and a board member of the international charitable organization, Heifer Project International. Professor Jasiorowski's dedication to international agriculture and science began as a student at the Warsaw Agricultural University. In 1948, while an undergraduate student, he had the opportunity to spend almost a year working on American farms and studying at the University of Wisconsin. Benefitting America, when Jasiorowski was chief of FAO animal research in the 1970's he led a landmark feed trial that culminated in recognition in Europe of the American Holstein as one of the globe's top dairy breeds. Jasiorowski was a USDA Cochran Fellow, later in his career. In Poland, generations of students in the animal sciences have been influenced by Jasiorowski. Jasiorowski, at age 84, currently manages a successful grain, horticulture and beef cattle farm in Poland along with his daughter and grandson. He writes frequently and retains his influence as an advocate for close relations with the United States. ¶3. (SBU) Accepting the award, Jasiorowski commented that his experience sixty years ago in Wisconsin was the opportunity that shaped his career. He said that cultural, economic, and scientific exchanges with the United States have been a cornerstone of Poland's movement to freedom and economic success. While an ardent supporter of Poland's membership in the European Union and its Common Agricultural Policy, Jasiorowski repeated several times that for a successful business and economic model, Poland must follow the example of the United States. He said that he shouldn't be receiving an award, but America should. ¶4. (SBU) In remarks, Ashe said that Jasiorowski was due the honor and gratitude of the United States as an agricultural scientist, mentor, leader, and friend. Ashe added that the professor's life should inspire us all to learn more, travel more and contribute more to humanity. Ashe said that it can't have been easy for Jasiorowski to visit the United States in 1948 and to have been so active in promoting strong relations with the United States over his career. Jasiorowski received a plaque and small honoraria paid by USDA. ¶5. (U) The event, hosted at the CMR, was attended by nearly 200 guests, representing key contacts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Parliament, business, associations, research institutes, universities, media, family and friends of Jasiorowski. Heifer Project, International sent a representative from the United States and representatives of U.S. animal breeders attended. AgMinister Sawicki earlier expressed his regret to AgCounselor for not attending, but congratulated USDA and the embassy on its choice of the Professor. The Ministry was represented by an Under Secretary, Artur Lawniczak. The idea, award and program, were developed by USDA's Agatt Kathryn A. Snipes. Embassy PA supported the event and Country Team attended including Exec, Econ, FCS, and ODC. Photos and details are available at http://poland.usembassy.gov/ ¶6. (SBU) Comment. The event succeeded in highlighting to contacts and media the long-term, positive U.S.-Poland relationship. In agriculture, Poland's policy is more influenced by Brussels than Washington today. The United States is admired for its achievements in business and scientific research. The mission's plan to influence Poland in agricultural policy development for such issues as a Doha Round agreement, CAP reform, biotechnology, animal cloning, and other issues will be to emphasize these strengths. Agricultural scientists in Poland frequently can be overruled in policy debates on the issues above and deserve support for their WARSAW 00000086 002.2 OF 002 views. End comment. ASHE