The President visited the farm “Lazdu mājas” in Dekšāre parish, Rēzekne Municipality, the company SIA “Laduži Agro” in Murmastiene parish, Madona Municipality, and the farm “Meldri” in Atašiene parish, Jēkabpils Municipality.
“What I discussed today with farmers, as well as what I have seen in the fields and meadows, demonstrate the necessity to consider the long-term impact of weather conditions. Weather-related damage will affect not only the volume and quality of this season’s harvest, but also the overall cycle of future yields. This year’s climatic conditions jeopardise farmers’ ability to meet their commitments – whether these are contractual obligations to business partners or to credit institutions. All stakeholders must work together to find long-term solutions by making use of available resources and instruments – there is a need to reduce bureaucracy on the part of institutions overseeing agriculture, to expand the scope of crop insurance, and to ensure a more accommodating approach from banks,” said President Rinkēvičs at the end of the visit.
The discussions with farmers addressed the impact of the declared state of emergency on the sector, the quality of the support measures implemented to date, their experience with insurance companies, and proposals to improve the sector’s preparedness for the consequences of prolonged adverse weather conditions. In addition, measures taken by the farmers themselves to diversify risks and adapt to the climatic circumstances were also discussed.
