An official ceremony held at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic honored national, municipal, and community patrons.
A golden brooch created by jeweler Tadas Deksnys, depicting a tree protected by caring hands, was presented to seven patrons, including the companies “Agrokoncernas” and “Agrokoncerno grūdai,” both part of the “Agrokoncernas Group.”
The title of National Patron is awarded for contributions exceeding 1 million euros to projects of significant public value.
The company “Agrokoncernas” has donated more than 1.1 million euros to the charity and support fund Švieskime vaikus (“Let’s Educate Children”). In total, more than 90 books by Lithuanian authors have already been published, with a combined print run of nearly 2 million copies.
While accepting the award, Edgaras Šakys, head of “Agrokoncernas,” thanked the fund’s founder and owner of the “Agrokoncernas Group,” Ramūnas Karbauskis, as well as everyone contributing to support projects.
“It is an honor to be part of this team. The team includes colleagues, partners in Lithuania and abroad, as well as the country’s farmers whose work contributes to meaningful initiatives. Whether it’s a major donation or a single euro—every good deed matters. I encourage others to join as well: to donate, support, and share. This is how we strengthen our country,” said E. Šakys.
The company “Agrokoncerno grūdai” was awarded National Patron status for donating more than 1.1 million euros to the Naisiai Summer Theatre. Over the years, this professional troupe has performed more than 2,000 free shows across Lithuania.
Karolis Šimas, director of “Agrokoncerno grūdai,” emphasized that patronage is not a one-time gesture, but a consistent and long-term commitment.
“It’s not about the amount — it’s about the idea. What matters most is that businesses remain strong, because only then can they share. This award does not belong to one person — it is recognition of the entire team’s work. Patronage is not a one-off donation; it is born from a continuous desire to share, grow together with the community, and strengthen it,” said K. Šimas.
Municipal patrons were also honored during the ceremony.
Šiauliai District Mayor Česlovas Greičius presented the municipal patron award to the agricultural company “Draugas,” which donated more than 318,000 euros to the “Naisių vasaros teatras” (“Naisiai summer theatre”).
Ramūnas Karbauskis, owner of the companies within the “Agrokoncernas Group,” expressed his joy at the largest number of national patrons in history and hopes that the number will continue to grow.
“Culture is the field most in need of support, and the benefits it brings to society are immense. Sharing is crucial. I believe that by supporting culture, we contribute more to national security than some who directly contribute to arms production. Culture is what unites a nation and makes us strong,” said R. Karbauskis.
He promised that support for various projects will continue. Altogether, the “Agrokoncernas Group” supports nine long-term charity projects, allocating around 1.5 million euros per year.
In total, more than 20 million euros have been donated over the lifetime of the “Agrokoncernas Group.”
The names of “Agrokoncernas,” “Agrokoncerno grūdai,” and the agricultural company “Draugas” were inscribed in the Book of Patrons, which is kept at the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
