ZSA opposes reduction of support for the beef cattle industry

The association "Farmers' Council" believes that the beef cattle industry in Latvia has not developed sufficiently and existing farms have not yet stabilized economically. Many of the farms have large credit obligations, as a result of which every support is very important for the industry.

Taking into account the information released regarding the possible reduction of the Voluntary Coupled Support (hereinafter – VSA) rate for beef cattle in 2017, the association “Farmers’ Parliament” categorically opposes the planned reduction of support by 30% this year and the possible freezing in future years. The association calls on the Ministry of Agriculture to evaluate the organization's proposals for supporting the beef cattle industry.

Primarily, the organization calls for maintaining the BSA at the current level, because the beef cattle industry is only now starting to develop in Latvia and support is very important for achieving positive results and creating a stable sustainable system. Farmers who have started raising beef cattle have counted on the promised support, therefore it is a very negative signal to change the rules of the game “halfway”. In the event that it is not possible to maintain the BSA support for beef cattle at the current level, the “Farmers' Council” proposes several alternative solutions, such as introducing a payment for the first 100 eligible animals or, for example, granting support for grassland areas where beef cattle are grazed, etc.

Mareks Bērziņš, member of the board of the association “Zemnieku saeima”, owner of the farm “Lojas” and beef cattle breeder: "In connection with the crisis in the dairy industry, which lasted from 2014 to 2016, many dairy farmers were invited and also reoriented to beef cattle breeding. This is one of the few agricultural sectors in which young people are actively involved. A large number of young farmers have entered the sector, who have purchased animals, machinery and necessary equipment with the help of projects. The beef cattle sector also contributes to socio-economic development in rural Latvia, facilitating the efficient management of low-fertile and difficult-to-cultivate lands. "

Kaspars Ādams, member of the association “Zemnieku Saeima” and head of SIA “Liellopu izsoļu nams”: "All over Europe, countries are struggling with attracting young farmers to the countryside, with creating new jobs in the countryside and with the renewal of generations. In recent years, thanks to European support, a very large number of young farmers have started raising beef cattle. Many farms have also reoriented their activities to raise beef cattle and now putting farmers in a position that something will be reduced is very wrong. The sector has very great prospects for export markets, which it is already proving today."

PRes_Farmers' Parliament opposes reduction of support for beef cattle industry