We invite you to apply for demonstration farms in the project "GreenAgri"

Overall objective of the project is to reduce nutrient losses from agriculture in the Baltic States by introducing innovative and effective organic fertilizer management methods, while maintaining the current level of agricultural production and competitiveness.
The purpose of the pilot program: At the initiative of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce and the Farmers' Parliament, demonstrations have been launched to introduce and test environmentally friendly organic fertilizer (solid manure, liquid manure, semi-liquid manure, deep litter manure, digestate) technologies and practices.
10 farms from Latvia and 10 farms from Estonia will participate in the pilot program.
Planned activities:
In stage 1 (February-March 2016) project coordinators will get acquainted with the manure spreading/storage technologies and environmental conditions of farms, as well as current practices. Together with the farms that have applied, the main problems will be identified and demonstration fields will be selected.
In stage 2 (April to July 2016) An action plan will be developed in cooperation with the farms and a team of experts. This action plan will include specific goals and measures to reduce nutrient losses from the demonstration field or grassland in accordance with the real needs of the farm (changes in crop rotation, intercropping, changes in manure spreading technologies, etc.). The experts will ensure the collection and analysis of soil and water samples, as well as manure, and will draw up a nutrient balance, a crop rotation plan, and a manure management plan.
When creating farm action plans, new legislative provisions and manure management restrictions will be taken into account.
In stage 3 (starting in spring 2017) the farms will implement the action plan measures and participate in various training programs.
In stage 4 The implementation of the 1.5-year demonstration action plan will be monitored. Experts will regularly visit farms and provide consultations.
In stage 5 – after a 1.5-year demonstration period, soil and water samples, crop yields and other indicators will be analyzed. Experts will analyze the results achieved during the demonstration program, draw up a summary, conclusions and recommendations for the future operation of the farm.
Farm benefits:
1. New knowledge about effective organic fertilizer spreading and application systems.
2. New knowledge about environmental legislation designed to reduce nutrient runoff.
3. In collaboration with experts, introducing new agricultural practices, improving soil fertility, increasing productivity and reducing nutrient runoff.
4. Free soil, manure and water analysis, as well as preparation of a nutrient balance/management plan, manure management plan and crop rotation plan.
5. Support from the expert group in selecting appropriate measures and practices for farms that would improve productivity and economic performance, as well as reduce nutrient runoff.
6. Opportunity to participate in experience exchange with other farmers in Denmark, Finland and Estonia.
7. Opportunity to participate in training and other events organized within the project.
 
We invite farms that meet the following criteria to apply for demonstration sites:
1. Willingness to participate in the demonstration. The participant must dedicate time and resources to collaborating with experts in the preparation and implementation of the action plan, as well as participating in the exchange of experiences and training.
2. Implement the agreed action plan using the company's own resources.
3. Agrees to present the organic fertilizer management measures and results implemented in the project to other farmers.
4. The farm/production facility operates in at least one of the following sectors: cereal farming, dairy farming, pig farming, beef cattle farming, sheep farming, poultry farming, biogas production.
5. The farm grows cereals and other crops, also using organic fertilizers (solid manure, semi-liquid manure, liquid manure, deep litter manure, digestate), but does not keep animals.
 
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
To participate in the demonstration, a farm and/or production facility that meets the above criteria must complete an application form.
Application form and technical specification are available  HERE.
Please send a completed application form by January 25, 2016 to the e-mail address: inga@zemniekusaeima.lv (scanned in .pdf or .jpg format) or in paper form by mail.
 
The project “GreenAgri” is co-financed by the Central Baltic Sea Region Programme 2014-2020.