Latvian and Estonian partners of the “Farm Biodiversity” project met in Cēsis

From 18 to 19 February, the Latvian and Estonian partners of the project “Farm Biodiversity” (FARM Biodiversity), No. EE-LV00132, met in Cēsis to agree on activities that will be carried out already this spring on 7 Latvian and 7 Estonian demo farms, with the aim of increasing biodiversity. The partners agreed that biodiversity in buffer zones will be carefully assessed on several farms in both countries – both plants and insects will be counted, and on some farms also farm birds.

Several demo farms will assess the impact of intercropping, while Estonian researchers have committed to studying the impact of green manure on the behavior of birds and various beneficial insects. Two organic farms with perennial grasslands and whose yields do not satisfy the owners will be planted with several plant mixtures, including wildflowers and legumes, to increase biodiversity and ensure sufficient forage for animals. In Latvia, we will test a new ecosystem element – biodiversity islands in arable land.

The project also includes farm visits to exchange experiences and new ideas to promote biodiversity in Latvia and Estonia.