The article deals with the biggest threat to the pig breeding industry in Latvia - the classical plague. The areas of the classical hog plague in the European Union countries (1986-1994) are given. The epizootic situation and the prophylaxis of the classical hog plague in Latvia (1960-1996) are analysed. The indices of the manifestation of the disease are discussed. Recommendations are mentioned how to protect against this infection in the economic situation of Latvia.

The most significant monitoring programmes of the state of the forest in the world are discussed in the article. The most important forest monitoring programmes in Latvia are considered. The general state of health of 2orest growths in Latvia is analysed.

The analytical data of soil samples taken during expedition in August 222-25, 1994 and analysed in the Soil Laboratory of the Latvia University of Agriculture are presented. The laboratory methods used in Latvia at present for soil analyses and soil classification are discussed.

The work of phytopathologists in ensuring normal phytosanitary conditions and successful disease control in grain crops is explained. The most wide-spread diseases observed in winter grain crops in Latvia during the year 1996 are described. The distribution of the diseases in different regions of Latvia, their harmful effect as well as their symptoms and diagnostics methods are discussed.

The importance of reproducible energy sources in Latvia is explained. Ethanol production from biomass rich in carbo-hydrates, bio-ethanol production from wood and fieldcrops, plant oil (rape oil) production are discussed. A table is presented showing the possible amount of biofuel and its energetic value that can be obtained from one ha in Latvia at present. It is stated that biofuel production technology needs further studies

The content of the term "free economic zone" is explained considering the experience of different countries as well as the motivation from the point of view of the present legislation and economy in Latvia. The basic principles of free economic zones are discussed. It is pointed out that the given research may, be used as informative material for establishing free economic zones and free ports in Latvia.

The amount of grain required for human food and forage for farm animals in Latvia is discussed and determined considering the rations advised by scientists, the structure of Latvia's population and the number of farm animals and poultry. The production of grain is analysed considering the area under grain crops, their productivity and yields in different regions of Latvia. The data of the analysis are shown in tables.

Considering the farming conditions on the new private peasant farms in Latvia, the technology of cows' feed preparation as well as the organization of the feeding procedure are discussed. The farmers' experience in foreign countries is analysed and compared with the traditional technology used in Latvia. The use of expensive imported additives for the enrichment of cows' feeds is appraised, the necessity is emphasized to develop mineral additives with the consideration of chemical composition of local feeds.

The changes in cattle breeding in Latvia in the latest years are explained. Beef production and consumption in this country is compared with other countries. The largest cattle breeding farms in Latvia are described. The necessity is stated to develop an intensive young cattle feeding programme. The experiments with Latvian Brown cattle on intensive feeding are described. The results of the experiments are discussed.

The importance of veterinary science and the necessity of its development for controlling the health of farm and wild animals are explained. The problems and peculiarities of the veterinary service in Latvia are described. The treatment of widely spread infections and other diseases as well as the prophylactic measures are discussed. The disease control-measures and remedies developed at the Latvia State Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science are suggested.