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International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Thursday, 28.03.2024, 19:52

MEP Grigule: Latvia's production cannot compete in Europe

BC, Riga, 21.08.2014.Print version
"Instead of focusing on the West, Latvian farmers and food producers should re-orientate themselves to eastern markets, as Latvia's production cannot compete in Europe," as European Parliament deputy Iveta Gigule (Greens and Farmers' Union) said during the Agricultural Organizations' Cooperation Council meeting yesterday, cites LETA/Nozare.lv.

"Latvia's production cannot compete in the European Union, furthermore, the European market is over-saturated, therefore, producers should focus more on eastern and Asian regions, as they offer better prospects," Grigule said.

 

Her proposal was opposed by farmers present at the meeting, who told Grigule that the European Union has a high demand for products that are produced in Latvia, especially in regard to biological production.

 

When asked why she has refrained from taking initiative to operate in the Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament, Grigule responded vaguely. "There was competition for a place on this committee. I had to compete with 17 Italian deputies and 24 English delegates – we had no chance," Grigule explained.

 

She also indicated that regardless of her work in other committees, she is ready to lobby Latvian farmers' interests also indirectly.

 

"I wish to sign an agreement with the Agricultural Organizations' Cooperation Council, stipulating that the council will inform me about all the recent developments and problems connected with dairy, vegetable and other industries. I need a strong partner when defending farmers' interests in Brussels and fighting for their competitiveness in foreign markets," Grigule said.






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