Fruit and berries growing have old traditions in Latvia. The climatic conditions and soil are favourable for it, especially in the eastern regions of Latvia. Fruit growing has potential in Latvia, but challenges are mainly lack of cooperation between the growers and the food processors, as well as between the food chain members; cooperatives are slowly starting to develop, lack of knowledge and motivation for cooperation; improvement of knowledge about the production of high-quality fruits and production of high value and innovative products.
Zemgale is located in the central part of Latvia, south of Riga, it has a long (270 km) land border with the Republic of Lithuania. The total area of ​​Zemgale territory is 10,732 km, which makes up 16.6% of the total territory of the Republic of Latvia and 12.3% of the total population of Latvia.
A significant advantage of Zemgale is the high fertility of the land and relatively unpolluted agriculture and nature territories. In the Zemgale plain, the cadastral value of land is on average over 60 points, which opens opportunities for agricultural development and specialization.
The region has developed business support infrastructure, business incubators, business parks, industrial and logistics parks, research institutes, technology transfer center. Located in Zemgale is the third largest university in Latvia – Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, and eight vocational education institutions that provide extensive opportunities for the development of human resources in the region, the State Fruit Growing Institute in Dobele. The largest and widest provider of rural consultations in the region is the Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Center (Ozolnieki). Zemgale has intellectual and scientific potential, especially in the field of agriculture and forestry, which promotes the training of highly qualified specialists and the development of scientific research.
Agricultural production and food production plays significant role of the region economy. Horticulture – vegetables, fruits and berries growing have old traditions and has the potential in Latvia.
Focus: cooperation between the food chain members and improvement of knowledge about the production of high-quality fruits and production of high value and innovative products.
They develop three pilots:
- ZELT Ltd sea buckthorn garden is found in Jelgava region, Platone district on the banks of Platone River. The garden is specially designed; sea buckthorn trees of only one species, which produce berries with increased oil content, are grown here. The sea buckthorn is grown in a qualitative and responsible manner and ensuring waste-free production process. Everything is done here with passion, inspiration and love, providing people with natural, healthy and high-quality products.
- KlÄ«ves Farm is a farm in Jelgavas region, Eleja parish. The farm grows fruit and berries, there are 30 bee colonies, is engaged in fruit and berry processing – home production. The products are high in fiber, rich in nutrients, natural and with high quality. The farm is managed using integrated farming technology, which ensures optimal plant protection and is environmentally friendly.
- Mezaciruli Ltd is located in ZaÄĽenieki parish of Jelgava region, in the Lielupe catchment area. Specializes in dairy farming and vegetable growing. 700 ha of land, 300 dairy cows, a greenhouse complex where lettuce and herbs are grown. The farm has received international awards for environmentally friendly management. An artificial wetland (the only one in Latvia) has been created next to the farm, which acts as a natural biological filter. The farm has a modern biogas plant.
