Agriculture, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

The Agricultural Organizations' Cooperation Council has found out from farmers and retailers that the proportion of local vegetables in stores exceeds 70%, although the harvest season has not yet begun. Therefore the statement by the Farmers' Saeima, that Latvia's major chain stores refuse to buy local vegetables from farmers and prefer imported products, is misleading.

According to Latvijas darznieks (Latvian Gardener) association's board chairman Janis Berzins, local farms have encountered some problems regarding the latest regulations that encourage distribution of organic products, but these problems are being tackled in cooperation with the Food and Veterinary Service and, when necessary, the Ministry of Agriculture.

"The statement came as a surprise to farmers, and it is misleading to consumers – as confirmed by residents' multiple phone calls our association is receiving, in which they express their bewilderment as shelves in stores are full of local vegetables," said Berzins.

As reported, Chairman of the Farmers' Saeima, Juris Lazdins said in an interview with the Latvian Television today that the two largest supermarket chains in Latvia, Rimi and Maxima, were refusing to buy local vegetables saying that they are too expensive.