Beata and Robert Janowski’s farm “Under the Chestnut Tree” in eastern Poland has been named Poland’s WWF Baltic Sea Farmer of the Year for its outstanding integration of organic dairy farming with nature-based solutions. The farm was selected by a national jury for its exemplary environmental stewardship, biodiversity support, and closed-loop production system.
A Regenerative Approach Rooted in Tradition
Located in Ludwinów, Lublin Voivodeship, “Under the Chestnut Tree” is more than just a name – it’s a symbol of continuity, care, and commitment to the land. The farm was founded in 1944 by the great-grandparents, and it has been run sustainably ever since. Today, a magnificent 100-year-old chestnut tree still stands in front of the farmhouse, bearing witness to generations of hard work and thoughtful stewardship. It has become the heart of the farm and the inspiration for its name.
In 2014, the Janowski’s took over part of the farm and began managing it according to organic principles. The 35-hectare farm now operates on a closed organic matter cycle, where everything produced is reused on-site. All animal feed is grown on the farm, and manure is carefully managed to enrich the soil without polluting nearby waterways.
Their 28 milking cows graze year-round on permanent grasslands, contributing to a system where nothing is wasted and everything is reused. Manure is applied in calculated amounts and incorporated into the soil within hours using disc harrows, minimizing ammonia emissions and preserving soil structure. Artificial fertilizers and pesticides are avoided entirely. Instead, the farm relies on crop rotation, catch crops, and clover inoculation to naturally enhance soil fertility.
Biodiversity and Water Retention in Harmony
The farm’s proximity to the Swinka River, which flows through the farm’s land, has inspired innovative water management practices. Straw bale dams are used to slow river flow during summers, supporting small-scale water retention and protecting floodplain meadows. Buffer zones along the river are maintained, and a domestic sewage treatment plant ensures clean water discharge.
These efforts have led to a noticeable increase in local wildlife, including frogs, cranes, and deer, something Beata and Robert find rewarding. “It’s incredible. When we open the window in the morning, we can hear cows mooing, storks clacking and frogs croaking – the most beautiful music in the entire world”. The farm also uses solar energy for hot water and milk processing, further reducing its environmental footprint.
A Model for Climate-Smart Farming
Beyond production, the Janowski’s are active educators and collaborators. They are part of Poland’s National Network of Demonstration Farms, which aims to provide and promote the best examples of agricultural practices in the country. Additionally, they have conducted research with the University of Life Sciences in Lublin on herbal mixtures in cow feed, and in 2022, they received the Ministry of Agriculture’s award for Best Organic Farm in Poland.
Their farm exemplifies how thoughtful manure management and nature-based practices can transform agriculture into a driver of biodiversity and climate resilience.
FARM FACTS
Location: Ludwinów, Cyców village, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Type of farm: Certified organic, family-owned dairy farm (35ha)
Main production: Milking cows, organic dairy products, oats, rye, spelt, clover
Key practices: Maintain year-round plant cover, Protect soil structure from compaction, Use catch crops or intercrops, Add organic matter to the soil, Maintain buffer zones along waterbodies, Practice water management, Partially using nutrient balance and practicing balanced fertilization, Apply fertilizers at the correct time and right conditions, Use manure in plant production, Implement practices for nutrient recycling at the farm.
Jury motivation: "The Janowski’s take a holistic and deeply rooted approach to sustainable farming. Their practices demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting the Baltic Sea and surrounding ecosystems, transforming their family farm into a model of circular, organic agriculture. With visible biodiversity gains and active collaboration in research and education, they are setting a powerful example of how environmentally conscious farming can be both profitable and regenerative." (Read more)
OPINION
Beata and Robert Janowski on the future of farming
Q: Farming in tandem with nature – is it a challenge or an opportunity?
A: We believe it's an opportunity, but also a big challenge. A challenge in terms of education, not in terms of eco-friendly practices.
Q: What benefits of using eco-friendly practices have you noticed?
A: Primarily the well-being of our cows – their health has improved.
Ever since we went organic and aligned ourselves with nature, our cows have not been sick, with no inflammations and no losses. They live in harmony with nature and the effects are obvious – the herbs growing in the fields is nature doing its thing. We don't need store-bought feeds, chemicals and so on to be able to operate, to provide food for ourselves and for others as well. All of that is a bonus and nature is doing fine on its own.
Q: What advice would you give other farmers who would like to run a farm with nature as an ally?
A: We encourage other farms to embrace organic and to protect our natural environment, because we too are part of nature. Just as we take care of ourselves, we should also take care of climate, animals, and nature. We love educating from a very young age, and we encourage kindergarteners and students to take eco-friendly actions that contribute to a better state of waters and nature.