Applications for the competition "Farmer of the Year in the Baltic Sea Region 2015" have been announced

The World Wide Fund for Nature, in cooperation with the Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre, invites farmers to actively participate in the competition "Farmer of the Year in the Baltic Sea Region 2015" to represent Latvia among other countries in the Baltic Sea region and qualify for a cash prize of 10,000 euros.

“The award, established in 2009, is designed to inspire farmers to actively engage in the fight against eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. We invite everyone who implements practices on their farm that reduce environmental pollution to fill out the competition application form and share their experience,” emphasizes Jānis Rozītis, Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Last year, among the finalists from nine countries, it was the Latvian farm “Mežacīruļi” that was recognized as the best. Vija and Juris Cīruļi’s “Mežacīruļi” chose a multi-sector production principle, producing milk, growing wheat, rapeseed, grasses, beans and corn. Using foreign experience, the agricultural enterprise was expanded with an energy production stage – biogas, electricity and heat. Further, a greenhouse complex was created for the use of heat. Currently, the farm has also created the first wetland – a demonstration object in Latvia.

"I have won individual awards before, but this one is special because of its international significance. It inspires and gives me even greater confidence in what I do," says Juris Cīrulis, last year's laureate.

To participate in the competition, applicants must complete application form, which can be downloaded from the World Wide Fund for Nature website www.pdf.lv and must be sent to the World Wide Fund for Nature electronically to the e-mail address info@pdf.lv or by post (postmark: April 17). Application forms must be submitted by April 17, 2015.

About the competition

The Baltic Sea Farmer of the Year competition is now in its sixth year. It highlights examples of good and Baltic Sea-friendly agricultural practices that reduce eutrophication or overgrowth of the Baltic Sea, as well as providing positive, inspiring and innovative practical examples.

The competition is international and is held in all Baltic Sea coastal countries. During the competition, a finalist is nominated in each of the nine countries, who receives a title and a cash prize of 1,000 euros. The winner of each country represents the country at the regional level and competes for a cash prize of 10,000 euros and the title of "Farmer of the Year in the Baltic Sea Region".

The results of the competition will be announced on the websites of the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Latvian Rural Consulting and Education Center, and the winners will be contacted personally by the competition organizers.

About the World Wide Fund for Nature

The goal of the World Wide Fund for Nature is to protect nature in order to maintain genetic, species and ecosystem diversity, ensure the sustainable use of renewable natural resources now and in the future, and help reduce pollution, as well as the wasteful consumption of natural resources and energy. Anyone can get involved in the work of the World Wide Fund for Nature by becoming a supporter or volunteer.

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More detailed information:

Ingus Purgalis

World Wide Fund for Nature

Baltic Sea and Freshwater Program Manager

Tel. 67505640, Mob. 26358477

Email: ipurgalis@pdf.lv

Elsa Sergeant

World Wide Fund for Nature

Public relations specialist

Tel. 67505640, Mob. 29694809

Email: eserzante@pdf.lv