Congratulations to the Farmer of the Year in Latvia – Z/S “Mežacīruļi”

On June 19, the Latvian finalist of the international competition "Farmer of the Year in the Baltic Sea Region 2014" was awarded - Z/S "Mežacīruļi", run by Juris and Vija Cīruļi.

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The competition, which is being organized in the Baltic Sea region for the fifth time, highlights examples of good and Baltic Sea-friendly agricultural practices that reduce eutrophication, or overgrowth, of the Baltic Sea.

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Z/S “Mežacīruļi” will represent Latvia at the regional level, competing with eight finalists from other Baltic Sea countries and will apply for the title “Farmer of the Year in the Baltic Sea Region 2014” and a cash prize of 10,000 euros. The regional winner will be announced on September 23 during the conference “Greener Agriculture for a Bluer Baltic Sea” in Poland.

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The farm “Mežacīruļi” is a positive and inspiring example of how large farms can move towards more sustainable farming practices. Juris Cīrulis initially intuitively, but in later years fully consciously, chose the principle of multi-sector production at “Mežacīruļi”, 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 also has the first wetland-demonstration facility in Latvia.

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The now titled farmer expresses his joy and pride in the victory: "I am pleased with the victory! The farm's success is the result of continuous modernization and technological innovations. I always try to share my experience and knowledge. My farm is always open to Latvian schools and universities, as well as other farms that want to learn how to use modern technologies not only to increase efficiency, but also for sustainability and more environmentally friendly farming."

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The wetland created on the farm significantly reduces the pollution load on natural water reservoirs. Kaspars Žūriņš, Director of the Latvian Rural Consulting and Education Centre (LLKC), points out: “We congratulate the main prize winner, the farm “Mežacīruļi”, which demonstrates a sustainable farming model in Latvia! The farm has been a long-term cooperation partner of the LLKC and provides significant support by sharing experience and engaging in the education of other farmers. Knowledge, experience and courage to undertake to introduce new technologies and approaches to farming in their daily work are the key to the success of “Mežacīruļi”.

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Z/S “Mežacīruļi” was established in 1992. The farm is located in Zaļenieki parish, Jelgava region, in the Lielupe catchment area. When the farm was started, the size of the farm was 7.2 ha, 3 cows, 20 sheep and 6 sows. Currently, the farm is characterized by 700 ha of land, 300 dairy cows, a biogas plant, a cogeneration plant and a greenhouse complex where salads and herbs are grown.

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The “Mežacīruļi” wetland was created to reduce pollution caused by plant nutrient runoff and purify rainwater. This is the first wetland – demonstration area in Latvia, where measurements are taken to demonstrate the effectiveness of wetlands. When creating a wetland, the properties of a natural wetland are used to filter and accumulate water, degrade organic compounds, absorb biogenic elements and transform them into biomass. The co-authors of the project are the “Mežacīruļi” farm, the Latvian University of Agriculture, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

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Minister of Agriculture Jānis Dūklavs also congratulates the winners: "I congratulate the owners of "Mežacīruļi" Vija and Juris Cīruļi on their victory in the World Wide Fund for Nature competition "Farmer of the Year in the Baltic Sea Region 2014". I am pleased that the competition organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature, which promotes smart and sustainable farming in rural areas, has become an annual tradition. The goal of the Ministry of Agriculture is also sustainable agriculture, because land is Latvia's main natural resource, from which not only should it be taken, but which must definitely be preserved. Thanks to smart and sustainable agriculture, end consumers receive safe, high-quality and healthy agricultural and food products from Latvian farmers and use them in their daily diet. There is a wise saying - we did not inherit the land, we borrowed it from our children. That is why we must manage the land of Latvia in such a way that our children and grandchildren can cultivate land as fertile as we currently have, so that future generations will be surrounded by the same biodiversity that we have in Latvia now.”

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Source: World Wildlife Fund