For participation in the project "DEMO FARM" 20 farms will continue to compete

Latvian Fund for Nature and the "Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre” announces 20 farms, which have passed the first selection round and will compete for the participation of Latvian and Estonian border demonstration farm network of project DEMO FARM or "Environmentally-friendly agriculture demonstration farm network of Latvian and Estonia".

Interest in participation in the project was large - applications from 62 farms were received in Latvia (15 - from Kurzeme, 45 - from Vidzeme and 2 - from Rīga region). The expert group examined each farm based on information included in the application form. Much attention was paid to the holding of the existing natural values and practices which are already before the project launched to improve the environment. The next evaluation round entered only these farms that have received at least 190 points.

After evaluation of all of the application forms, 20 farms were selected (arranged in alphabetical order):

• Z / s "Annas Ozoliņi" from the Amata region
• Z / s "Dukuri" from Naukšēni County
• Z / s "Dulbeņi" from Burtnieki County
• IK Egita Sudakova from Talsi
• Z / s "Gundegas" from Limbazu County
• Z / s "Jaun-Ievinas" from Raunas County
• Z / s "Jungas" from the County Naukšēni
• Z / s "Kalnumpuļi" from Naukšēni County
• Z / s "Krastiņi" from Valka District
• Z / s "Lejas Kleperi" from Smiltenes County
• Ltd. "Lejasķerzēni" from Naukšēni County
• Z / s "Lielkrūzes" from Jaunpiebalga County
• Z / s "Maurini" from Aluksne district
• Z / s "Mierkalni" from Valka District
• Z / s "Saulgoži" from Valmiera District
• Z / s "Silkalni" from Valmiera District
• Z / s "Stūri" from the county Naukšēni
• Z / s "Valti" from Skrunda County
• Z / s "Vekši" from Valka District
• P / S "Viksnas"from Alojas County

In the second round of the farm valuation experts and project staff will visit all 20 best farms and through a further selection, choose 10 farms, which will be launched in a joint effort by the detailed business plan development, which will include the holding of the environment and the value of nature description, household agricultural production and economic analysis, and recommendations for ensuring sustainable farming. Training workshops on environment, nature conservation, agricultural production in economic issues, demonstration of skills and other issues will be organised for farmers. Engaged in the network will have the opportunity to participate in sharing experiences with the Estonian and Swedish counterparts.

Competition among all the 62 farms that have applied for participation in the project was great - the points allocated in terms of its varied little. Project staff are really excited about the high quality of the farms and the project will also involve the farms that were not selected for intensive work. To ensure this, the rest of the farms will be invited to visit the project farms on open days and the project results will be available to all farms that want to operate environmentally friendly.

In addition to the information, please visit our sites www.llkc.lv, www.ldf.lv and www.elfond.ee. Project demo farm covers an area Latvian Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Riga, Pieriga and Estonia are Võrumaa, Valgamaa, Põlvamaa, Tartumaa, Jõgevamaa, Viljandimaa, Pärnumaa, Läänemaa, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa regions.

The project is co-financed by the Estonian Latvian Cross-border Co-operation Programme under European Territorial Co-operation Objective 2007-2013.

Contacts:

Daiga Brakmane
Latvien Fund for Nature
 67830998
 daiga.brakmane@ldf.lv
www.ldf.lv

Elīna Ozola
Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Center
63050576
elina.ozola@llkc.lv
www.llkc.lv 

22.03.2010.