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"We suffered a crisis in 2009, and it was a lot more severe than now, while at least 105 farms turned to the ministry fearing bankruptcy and seeking help," said Duklavs.

He also admitted that in order to solve the situation, additional funds were allocated for the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Center, which organized a task force of four to five people, including experts from the most important industries – animal husbandry, finance, economy. The experts visited farms in Latvia to offer advice.

"I must admit that the experts learnt that the farmers' knowledge in the respective industry is so poor that they are unable to neither calculate the forage rations, nor use medication, not to mention the banks and cash flows. With the help of the experts, the farms were provided with a solution on how to change the payment procedure, postpone this and that, and, as a result, these farms dodged bankruptcy. This is proof of actual work, though which the consultative service saved many farms from bankrupting," the minister said.

He also indicated that many farms, especially those in the dairy industry, are still facing difficulties, which is why there is still a need for expert advice.