Farmers will discuss the EU Common Agricultural Policy with the President and Prime Minister

On Wednesday, June 10, representatives of Latvian farmers' organizations will meet with Latvian President Egils Levits to discuss the development of the agricultural sector, including the European Union's multiannual budget for 2021-2027 and the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). On Thursday, June 11, representatives of Latvian farmers' organizations will also discuss these issues remotely with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš.

During the meeting, representatives of Latvian farmers' organizations will discuss the European Union's multiannual budget 2021-2027 and CAP funding proposed by the European Commission on May 27, according to which it is tentatively planned that the amount of Latvia's direct payments in 2027 would be only 77% of the EU average direct payment level. In order for Latvia to reach at least 90% of the EU average direct payment level, an additional 267 million euros is needed.

During the discussion, representatives of Latvian farmers' organizations will also discuss the planned financing for Latvia's rural development, the CAP financing offer in connection with the green deal and climate change mitigation, while fully providing the European community and society with healthy and home-grown food. We will also deliver a joint letter to the President and Prime Minister on behalf of the Baltic farmers' organizations, emphasizing the fair distribution of direct payments to EU member states and the fact that CAP support for rural development provides opportunities for member states to improve competitiveness, promote an efficient and sustainable economy and the development of rural areas.

Maira Dzelzkalēja-Burmistre, Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of the Association "Farmers' Council": "We have repeatedly emphasized the still existing inequality of direct payments between Member States. Expenditures for Latvian farmers have exceeded the European Union average, while direct payments are significantly lower than the average. Currently, the financing of direct payments in Member States is calculated based on historical indicators, which no longer correspond to the current situation. This unjustified distribution of direct payments between Member States significantly undermines Latvian agriculture and distorts competition, and with stricter environmental and climate requirements, farming will become increasingly difficult. Of the funding in the next EU multiannual budget "will depend on how and how quickly farmers in the Member States will be able to take on and implement the EU's Green Deal objectives, as without adequate EU funding, the new goals cannot be met."

Edgars Treibergs, Chairman of the Board of the Agricultural Organization Cooperation Council: "Agriculture has always been an important sector in the Latvian economy and is a dominant component of the European community's multi-annual budget. So far, the promised progress in the equal distribution of direct payments among member states has not been felt. Farmers need to know what to expect. By taking on the climate change mitigation commitments required by the EU, our farmers are financially at a significant disadvantage compared to those countries that provide support to their farmers from the budget. What opportunities does our government see to help their farmers?"

Indulis Jansons, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Agricultural Cooperatives Association: "Since agriculture is one of the leading export sectors in Latvia, its further development must also be fought for within the framework of the EU multiannual budget, providing for support for Latvian farmers to approach the EU average support indicators. It is also necessary to discuss the new settings related to the programs "From Farm to Fork" and "Green Deal."

Farmers' organizations will be represented by Juris Lazdiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Association "Farmers' Council" (ZSA), Maira Dzelzkalēja-Burmistre, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the ZSA, Mārtiņš Trons, Member of the Board of the ZSA, Edgars Treibergs, Chairman of the Cooperation Council of Farmers' Organizations (LOSP), Guntis Gūtmanis, Member of the Board of the LOSP, Indulis Jansons, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives (LLKA), and Māra Rudzāte, Member of the Board of the LLKA.