EN 
LV On September 22, the event “Bioeconomic development experience in farms of various sectors” organized by the Latvian Agricultural Council was attended.
A unique research institute with research technologies, capacity, and directions in the fields of bioeconomy. The institute cooperates very closely with the Vidzeme Planning Region, jointly developed the Vidzeme Region Bioeconomy Development Strategy, and established the Latvian High-Value and Healthy Food Cluster.
The institute bases its activities on a multidisciplinary approach. The team includes scientists and practitioners from such fields as biology, chemistry, hydrology, environmental science, physics, mathematics, computer science, landscape planning, forestry, etc. One of the core values of the Environmental Solutions Institute (ESI) is openness and willingness to learn. Therefore, the institute employs not only Latvian, but also foreign specialists. Cooperation projects and knowledge exchange with partners in Europe and other parts of the world are constantly being developed.
The institute's operating model is determined by a way of thinking – being able to look at the environment in a broader context, see the interaction of things and processes, and work together to improve the quality of life not only for ourselves, but also for future generations.
The institute implements projects in cooperation with the organically certified farm SIA “Field&Forest”, which participates in various research and projects in the context of bioeconomy and whose main activity is agriculture, including the cultivation of various crops, herbs and medicinal plants. Since 2012, processing of medicinal plants and herbs. In 2010, the company obtained an Environmental Quality Certificate for the cultivation and production of organic products. SIA “Field and Forest” also owns an extensive herd of beef cattle (Galloway), which is expanding every year.
Family business "Good roots"” (Lielā Skolas iela 6, Cēsis) uses zero-waste technology in production. The main product is carrots, from which absolutely everything is used. The small production facility squeezes carrot juice, which is sold in Cēsis. The carrot pulp left over from the juicing process is used to make healthy chips – three different savory flavors: the red version with red cabbage, the green version with spinach, kale, dill and parsley, and the spicy version with paprika and tomatoes. Virtually no waste is created during the cooking process. The company produces about 30 types of products from various biomaterials.
Entrepreneur created "Trump"” (Lielā Skolas iela 6, Cēsis, Cēsu pilsēta, LV-4101) brewery, where various natural extracts are used in production, for example, when making pine cola. Herbal non-alcoholic drinks are offered. When looking for opportunities to use familiar resources in a new way and create innovative products, it is very important in bioeconomy to use resources that come from the local area in production.
Farm “Lejas-Sinči”, Limbaži parish, Limbaži county. Reinis Rozenbergs presented a very innovative and promising idea at the young entrepreneur competition “Laukiem būt!” organized by the Latvian Agricultural and Rural Council. In the future, perhaps not so distant, the use of bee pollen in food will have its own special niche in culinary practice. Reinis on his farm obtains up to 2 kg of pollen from one colony per season.
The UN's projected increase in the world population (from the current 7.4 billion to 8.5 billion in 2030), the depletion of natural resources, the growing pressure on the environment and climate change have raised awareness of the need to change the methods used in Europe to produce, consume, process, store, reuse and dispose of biological resources. We need to use biological resources better. By doing so, food will be available to more people, while at the same time causing less impact on the environment and climate.
As part of the implementation of the European Union-co-financed project “Support for starting a business by developing small farms”, 1,000 frames for bee houses will be purchased. A structural mixer will be a great helper on the farm, which will help deftly extract heather honey, as well as a packer. With the implementation of the project, the number of bee colonies on the family farm “Lejas-Sinči” will be increased by 32 colonies. Soon there will be more than 100 bee colonies on the farm.
