EU Funds Should Strengthen the Competitiveness of Agriculture in Latgale – Discussions on the Sector’s Future Take Place in Malnava
On 25 September, the conference “Latvian Agriculture – EU Funds, Finance and Sustainable Development” took place at Malnava Technical School, bringing together farmers, industry experts and representatives of public institutions to discuss the future of agriculture, the challenges posed by climate change and European Union (EU) funding opportunities.
The conference focused on strengthening agricultural competitiveness, promoting sustainable farming practices and ensuring that funding in the next EU programming period meets the actual needs of agricultural holdings.
The event was organised within the framework of the project “Informing Latvian Agricultural Professionals and Developing Guidelines for Achieving Sustainability Goals in Agriculture” (EKII-9/26).
Climate Change Is Becoming an Increasingly Significant Risk for Agriculture
Experience in recent years has shown that increasingly unpredictable weather conditions are no longer isolated extreme events in agriculture. They are having a growing impact on the economic stability of farms, production planning and their ability to ensure food production.
During the conference, Armands Gūtmanis, Head of the Sustainability Cluster, emphasised that Latvia needs to accelerate its adaptation to climate change and start considering more effective solutions for managing weather-related risks.
“Sustainable agriculture is not only about reducing environmental impacts. It is also about economically viable farming that can adapt to changing conditions and maintain its ability to produce food, even in times of crisis,” noted Armands Gūtmanis.
He also stressed that farm development requires a comprehensive approach. A single investment or project is not enough; it is essential to assess the overall needs of each farm and choose solutions that are appropriate in the long term.
The Future of EU Funds and Agricultural Competitiveness
One of the central topics of the conference was EU funding after 2027. Although the conditions for the next programming period are still being developed, both farmers and the government need to start considering investment needs and priorities now.
Iveta Kromāne, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, explained that the role of EU funding after 2028 will be closely linked to agricultural growth, competitiveness and risk management. Funding should not only support farmers’ incomes but also strengthen food security, rural development and the sustainable use of resources.
Kristīne Sirmā, Deputy Director of the Department of Strategy, Knowledge and Climate Change at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasised that resilient agriculture, prepared for crises, is an essential component of Latvia’s agricultural competitiveness.
“The goal is not to choose between climate and agriculture, but to maintain production capacity, use resources efficiently and reduce the impact of climate change,” said Kristīne Sirmā.
The discussions also highlighted the need for timely investment planning to help farms adapt to climate change, introduce new technologies and use energy resources more efficiently.
Sustainability Guidelines – Practical Support for Farms
During the conference, the sustainability recommendations developed by the Sustainability Cluster and the Latvian Agricultural Organisations Cooperation Council (LOSP) were presented.
The guidelines cover six key areas:
Renewable energy use;
Carbon farming;
Financial sustainability;
Soil conservation;
Efficient water resource management;
Utilisation of EU funding opportunities.
The guidelines are designed as a practical resource to help farmers assess different opportunities and make decisions that support the development of their farms. They are not intended to be a final document but will be further developed and improved based on farmers’ experience, needs and changes in the agricultural sector.
Guntis Gūtmanis, Chairman of the LOSP Board, emphasised that the purpose of the guidelines is to encourage broader discussion on how EU funding can be directed towards improving farm efficiency and resilience in the future.
Access to Financing and Farmers’ Experience
The conference also featured Vita Pučka, Head of the ALTUM Latgale Regional Office, who introduced the financial instruments and funding opportunities available to farmers.
Aivars Bernāns, Chairman of the Board of the Latgale Association of Agricultural Producers, presented the farmers’ perspective on the challenges facing the sector.
A discussion moderated by Guntis Gūtmanis, Chairman of the LOSP Board, addressed the future of EU funding and its role in agricultural development. Particular attention was given to ensuring that support mechanisms help farmers not only meet new requirements but also make investments that improve the long-term efficiency of their operations.
Sustainability and Economic Viability – Shared Goals
The conference in Malnava highlighted that the future of agriculture is closely linked to its ability to adapt to climate change, introduce new technologies and make effective use of available financial resources.
Successful progress requires close cooperation between public institutions, agricultural organisations and farmers themselves. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that sustainability requirements and investment objectives are compatible with the economic viability of agricultural holdings.
The guidelines developed and events organised within the project contribute to this process by providing farmers with relevant information and encouraging discussion about the future development of the agricultural sector.
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