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LV "Farmers' Parliament" calls for a meeting on the damage caused by migratory geese to agriculture
On Wednesday, May 15, the association "Farmers' Council" invites you to a meeting on the damage caused by migratory geese in agriculture and possible solutions. The meeting is intended to discuss the de minimis issue and hear the views of the parties involved on further actions to reduce damage in the current and future years. Starting at 10:00, at the Ministry of Agriculture, room 314.
In recent weeks, the association “Farmers' Council” has received countless calls and e-mails from members about the significant damage caused by migratory birds, especially geese, throughout the territory of Latvia. As a result, “Farmers' Council” prepared and sent a letter to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, the Nature Conservation Board and the Ministry of Agriculture with an appeal to find a solution to the long-standing problem. “Farmers' Council” calls on the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development to contact the European Commission and not to apply compensation for damage caused by migratory birds to de minimis support, because compensation cannot in any way be treated as direct state support for farmers. The farmers' organization also sees hunting migratory birds in potential damage areas as a solution. The experience of other countries shows that birds are scared off after the first shot, leave the field and avoid specific areas in the future.
Recognizing the fact that goose populations in Europe are experiencing very rapid numerical growth, several EU member states (e.g. Sweden and Estonia) are now issuing permits for goose hunting in spring fallow areas. In Sweden, goose hunting in spring fallow areas has been permitted for at least 7 years.
The meeting will be attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, the Nature Conservation Board, the Latvian Hunters' Union, and the Latvian Hunters' Association.
Media representatives are also invited to attend the meeting.
Apply by phone 29805456 (Mārtiņš) or by email: martins.trons@zemniekusaeima.lv
If you cannot attend the meeting tomorrow, but your grain fields have also been affected by geese, we invite you to share your photos or experiences, suggestions, and DAP work in assessing the damage by writing or calling Mārtiņš!
