ZSA evaluates 2015 in agriculture

PRIDE OF THE YEARLatvia has strengthened its position within the European Union (EU) family of countries, leading the way presidency In the EU Council. In turn, farmers' organizations in Latvia in June hosted the heads of farmers' organizations of European countries at the COPA - COGECA presidium meeting. We were proud of ourselves and proudly showed the guests Latvian farms. This year's special satisfaction of the "Farmers' Assembly" (ZSA) - Maira Dzelzkalēja was re-elected as COPA vice-president.
YEAR OF DISTRUST IN FARMERS. The Ministry of Finance has blatantly discredited the opinion of farmers by introducing a system of dyed diesel fuel. The decision was made despite the conclusion of the European Commission (EC) Tax and Customs Union that diesel fuel intended for agricultural work can be uncolored. What is happening is a clear example of how even when they realize that the end does not justify the means, bureaucrats are not interested. Latvian farmers will pay for the officials' decision from their own pockets.
CHALLENGE OF THE YEAR. The implementation of greening requirements for direct payments was rushed, as farmers only learned about the conditions in the heat of spring sowing. Latvian farmers have generally successfully coped with these bureaucratic, as well as economically illogical, requirements. Our paying agency, the Rural Support Service (RSS), also did the hard work, and, unlike some other EU for the old countries, our IT systems did not collapse. We are aware that the system and requirements are too bureaucratic and in this implementation the goal is to make agriculture greener, are not being implemented. Therefore, dialogue with policymakers needs to continue in 2016.
ANNUAL ACTIVITY. External conditions have forced Latvian producers and processors to look for new markets. This process will take time to adapt, but the current movement is purposeful. Both producers and processors must strive to win their place in international markets. We are proud of the cooperative “Mūsmāju dārzeji”, which has established a new cooperation with Uzbek traders, introducing quality schemes in the trading process. “Latvijas Pienam” has also been very active in mastering foreign markets this year.
ANNUAL MOVEMENT. The Latvian Land Fund began its operations this year. Already in its first months of operation, it has received several property sale applications, which indicates the interest of landowners in transferring their properties for the development of agricultural activities.
ANNUAL CROP. The difficulties in dairy farming, which began last year, have continued. The purchase price of milk has not increased, and the quota regime has been abolished. For these reasons, competition in the milk market has increased among European Member States. Also, this year, ASF continued to flare up in the territory of Latvia, forcing several farms to suspend pig farming and take emergency measures to contain the disease.
COOPERATION OF THE YEAR. Representatives of other industries also got involved in saving the dairy industry, with the grain cooperative LATRAPS even starting to purchase raw milk.
JOY OF THE YEARFor his significant contribution to Latvian agriculture, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Farmers' Parliament, the owner of the Mežacīruļi farm, Juris Cīrulis, was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Cabinet of Ministers.
THE BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR. Geopolitical tensions in the world's hot spots. As globalization increases, every misfortune of other nations no longer seems so distant to us. Refugee flows, trade barriers, physical threats increasingly directly affect other countries of the world. At this time, we must be united and strong, not succumb to delusions and provocations. Farmers all over Europe on the other side of the barbed wire fence against water cannons and politicians who, while fighting the migrant crisis, almost abandon the agricultural sector to their fate.
LOSS OF THE YEAR. Cooperative "Trikāta". A long-cherished idea of many livestock farmers.
THE JOY OF THE YEAR IN POLITICS. Unlike other sectors of the economy, the Ministry of Agriculture has managed to coordinate the European Commission's new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Already this year, Latvian farmers are starting to acquire these essential resources.
2016 COMMITMENT. ZSA continues to press on bureaucratic system:
– to achieve simplification of greening requirements;
– work more diligently to ensure that the opinion of farmers is also taken into account in the Saeima Economic Committee;
– within the framework of new projects, we will ensure that farmers receive the most useful knowledge and the latest experience from colleagues in other countries.