Beavers are tipical heabivores, their specific lifestyle has formed 15-20 million years ago throughout the evolution process. Beavers had vanished from Latvia during seventies of 19th century. For reclimatization beavers were presented to Latvia during seventies of 19th century. For reclimatization beavers were presented to Latvia by Norway and Voroneza preserve in 1952. There is given a mention that there are more than 50 thousand beavers in Latvia. A successful reintroduction of beavers in man transformed environment has created problems for owners of agricultural soils as well as heads of protectable nature objects, still, it is also internationally acknowledged.

This article is the historical review of the Faculty from the very beginnings, moving through the periods of Riga Polytechnical School (1862-1915), University of Latvia (1919-1939), Jelgava Agricultural Academy (1939-1944), Latvia Agricultural Academy (1944-1991) and Latvia University of Agriculture (since 1991), which was presented in the Annual Research Meeting held in Jelgava, February 4-5, 1998 and was devoted to the 135 anniversary of Agricultural research and higher education in Latvia.

Articles in this issue reflect politics and policies implemented in Latvia that are related to the development of political processes in the EU and Latvia's integration into the EU. They characterise the development of democracy in Latvia, as well as public participation in consolidating democratic processes. The authors have sought to explain the causes of the alienation of the state and society and to offer possible solutions.

The author discusses the document "Appraisal of the institutional, economic and legislative aspects of the Latvia forest branch state administration". The document has been worked out in the framework of the Latvia-FAO project. The history of the forest branch development and administration in Latvia is reviewed, all the changes and transformations are analysed. The presents forest reforms and the State policy in this branch are explained. Four fundamental functions of the State in the longstanding forest management (normative function, supervision, ownership, support are discussed).

During 1936-1938 by suggestion of Karlis Ulmanis (agronomist, the 4th president of the Republic of Latvia) wine-mountain was arranged at the Pure Horticulture Experimental Station in Sabile (Latvia), where 1350 vines were planted. 36 grape varieties were growing in Sabile Wine Mountain after the World War II. Since 1951 scientists have investigated more than 300 outdoor growing grapes varieties and hybrids from West Europe and Russia. The most outstanding grape breeder in Latvia is Peteris Sukatnieks, who develops winter hardiness vine hybrids ('Lauma', 'Ritausma' and 'Zilga') suitable for climatic conditions of Latvia. During 1992-2006 fifth super early grape varieties of high quality berries have been developed: 'Dovga', 'Liepajas Dzintars', Liepajas Agra', 'Ciravas Agra' and 'Silva'.

Convention on Biological Diversity was ratified in Latvia in 1995. This means that Latvia is now responsible for genetic resources of its plants. This article presents an account of current situation.

The author gives a broad overview on history of wheat breeding in Latvia (Priekuli Plant Breeding Station and State Stende Institute of Cereal Breeding) in some times (1923-1939, 1940-1945, 1945-1990). The aims of wheat breeding were: (1) to grow wheat varieties suitable to conditions of Latvia; (2) to evaluate and to characterize foreign variety usefulness to conditions of Latvia. The main directions of wheat breeding: (1) testing and evaluation of the foreign varieties in conditions of Latvia; (2) investigation of local material collected from different regions of Latvia; (3) breeding (random) work with wheat material; (4) crossings. Data on winter wheat varieties comparison, crop yield and quality, and established varieties are given in tables.

This article presents a history of flax breeding in Latvia.

Geomagnetic studies in Latvia have been made twice in its history: in the 20s and the 30s of the 20th century when Latvia first gained independence, and from the 60s to the 90s when these studies served the military purposes of the Soviet Union. Now when Latvia has regained independence there is a need to resume geomagnetic studies and to be involved in geomagnetic research projects of the European Union. Three staff members of the SLS Geodesy Board made a study visit to Oulu University to learn the methodology of geomagnetic research and to gain some practical skills at the Sodankila Geophysics Observatory. Contacts were established and information collected, which will contribute to the development of a magnetometric research concept in Latvia.

In this paper, the species of genus Tilia found in Latvia were reviewed: 17 species, 6 subspecies and 6 interspecific hybrids. For each taxon the scientific nomenclature was adjusted, and morphology and distribution was described. Distribution maps for the commonest species in Latvia and a key for the Tilia species found Latvia were compiled.