Agriculture, Foodstuff, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Photo: president.lv

''I believe we must increase the consumption of milk on the domestic market by creating special niche products in cooperation with food scientists. This is very important, because with such products it would later be easier to enter different export markets. Be creative, diversify your markets,'' said Vejonis.

At the same time, he also pointed out that there must be closer cooperation between farmers, dairy companies and retailers.

''When everything is good, such discussions are not necessary. However, in such times of crisis, experience shows that mutual talks between those involved in the industry must be constant,'' the president said.

At the same time, he also admitted that he is very concerned for small dairy farms, who might be forced to sell their livestock due to the reduction in the purchasing price of milk.

Meanwhile, the head of the Stalbes Agro Ltd. farmstead Aija Balode admitted that the president's understand of the situation within the dairy industry is very good.

''He was well prepared and obviously did his homework on the situation within the dairy sector. We are confident that the president will be able to defend the interests of Latvian farmers on the highest level. Meanwhile, we are awaiting from the government immediate financial support, so that farmers could begin preparing for next year,'' she said.

As reported, Vejonis is meeting with dairy industry representatives today to discuss the current situation in the industry,

Agriculture Minister Janis Duklavs (Greens/Farmers), Agricultural Organizations Cooperation Council's chairman Edgars Treibergs, Farmers' Saeima board chairman Juris Lazdins, Stalbes Agro CEO Aija Balode, cooperative society "Piena cels" representative Ilze Aizsilniece, company Food Union representative Harijs Panke, and representatives from several major farms are participating in the meeting.

LETA also reported, the milk processing and dairy company Food Union has sent an announcement to farmers, telling them that they will be reducing the purchasing price of milk by 1.5 cents from August 1, and farmers expect that other dairy companies could follow suit in the near future.

Purchasing prices of milk began to decrease in Latvia last fall due to Russia's sanctions and the overall situation on the global market.