UNISECO H2020 Issue brief_Strengthening Agro-Ecological Farming Practices and Economic Viability of Organic Dairy Farms in Latvia

In Latvia, EU CAP Pillar II support for Organic Farming has incentivised grassland-based dairy farmers to transition from conventional to organic dairy farming practices; however, the accompanying 25% decrease in milk and crop yields acts as a barrier to transition for many conventional dairy farmers and adversely impacts on the economic viability of organic dairy farms.

Tailored practice-based training and advice to farmers organised by agricultural advisory services should include greater cooperation with farmer organisations and agricultural research institutions. Additionally, support should be provided for bottom-up initiatives led by local farmer groups and cooperatives tailored to address specific farm production issues and learning needs of farmers. Particularly relevant is increasing farmer-to-farmer learning and experience exchange visits to see farming practices demonstrated and explained in-situ on farms in Latvia and abroad. Capacity-building on organic and agro-ecological dairy farming practices is also needed by agricultural advisory services which can be realised by closer cooperation with agricultural and environmental research institutions, farmers organisations and experienced practitioners.

"UNISECO is a European research project aiming to develop innovative approaches to enhance the understanding of socio-economic and policy drivers and barriers for further development and implementation of agro-ecological practices in EU farming systems. 

Learn more about about the project: https://uniseco-project.eu/

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 773901.

This publication represents the views of the authors. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains."