VZCZCXRO7935
RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV
DE RUEHWR #0086/01 0221513
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 221513Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY WARSAW
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5795
RUEHRC/USDA FAS WASHDC 2031
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
INFO RUEHKW/AMCONSUL KRAKOW 1965
RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
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