Phase 2 of Danish-Latvia fertilizer normative project started in Autumn 1999. Contracting authority of Project - the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Contractor - the Danish Agricultural Advisory Center. Subcontractor - Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences. Institutions from Latvia - the Latvia Agricultural Advisory and Training Center, Skriveri Research Center, Agrochemical Research Center as well as experts from Latvia University of Agriculture, Priekuli, Stende Plant Breeding Stations and Malnava Agriculture College.

There is a higher education reform going on in last years in Europe and the rest of the world. This process is related and in future will be closely related to us. Therefore my report mainly deals with the following issues: 1) international legal basis in university reform; 2) higher education in Latvia in comparison with Europe and the Baltic States; 3) Latvia University of Agriculture and other universities of Latvia; 4) the possible change in the financing model of higher education.

Recently very big attention is paid regarding to quality of pork produced in Latvia to make it competitive in both market of Latvia and markets of Europe. Low pork quality and high price are the factors that decrease competition with imported production in the home market and reduce export to other countries. The aim of this research "Improving of productivity, carcass and meat quality of different pig populations" is to evaluate and analyse carcasses and pork quality of populations and their crosses breeded in Latvia.

The report deals with the supervision and regulation of the national economy financial sector to ensure an optimal macroeconomic policy regime. The supervision institutions of financial and credit activity in Latvia are defined, the structure of the financial market subjects is explained. The activity of the supervision institutions in Latvia after 1998 is reviewed. To find the optimal financial sector supervision model for Latvia the experience of other countries has been studied and is discussed. As an ideal universal model of financial market supervision does not exist, it should be developed in each country considering the activity of its financial market.

The comparison of soil test methods used for determination of macronutrients P, K, Mg, Ca and S in Latvia and in neighboring European countries has been made. There was established a high mutual correlation between soil test methods used in Latvia and other countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany) of Europe. Limit values for evaluation of soil analysis results and subdivision of soils into fertility classes were somewhat different in each country. Optimal values of soil P, K, Ca and S were similar in Latvia, Denmark and Finland, but they were higher in Germany.

The article deals with comparison of determination methods of the secondary macronutrients Mg, Ca and S content in soil of Latvia and neighbouring EU countries (Denmark, Finland and Germany). The obtained results were compared by using of the correlation-regression analysis. The results shows that optimal values of Mg content in soil of Latvia, Finland and Germany are similary, but lower in Denmark. Optimal values of Ca and S content in soil of Latvia are little larger than in Finland.

The spread of helminthoses in Latvia has been investigated from 1999 to 2000. The following helminthoses of the digestive tract have been diagnosed in goats: strongylatoses, dictyocaulosis, prostrongylidoses (milleriosis), strongyloidosis, trichocephalosis, skrjabinemosis, fasciolosis, moniesiosis and cysticercosis (C. tenuicollis). The most widespread digestive tract helminthoses of goats in Latvia are strongylatoses (E 30.3-57.6%) and protostrongylidoses, mainly milleriosis (E 41.4-76.5%). A new species, previously not registered in Latvia - Skrjabinema ovis (Skrjabin, 1915) was discovered. To diagnose skrjabinemosis a sampling method by applying a transparent adhesive tape is suggested.

The article deals the conception of pension reform in Latvia. The article evaluates the basic principles of pension reform in Latvia. It also analyses the three pension levels according to pension reform - generation solidarity pension scheme; state funded pension scheme; private pension fund - the importance and functioning of all the schemes.

The models of cohesion of finance of self-governments in the European Union and present cohesion system of finance of self-government in Latvia were analyzed and the proposals how to improve the present cohesion system in Latvia were given.

Spring barley variety "Sencis" (Hordeum vulgare ssp. distichon L.) was bred at the State Stende Plant Breeding Station in 1984-1994. It is a two-row variety obtained from crossbred "Torkel"/Stende 7542. The characteristic features of "Sencis" are earliness, high yield (5.0 to 6.5 t haE-1), high resistance to diseases and good malting quality. In 1995-1998 the variety "Sencis" was evaluated at Latvia State Variety Testing Stations. DUS test and UPOV report on technical examination was performed in Poland (COBORU Slupia Wielka) in 1995-1996. Variety "Sencis" was included in the List of Perspective Varieties in Latvia in 1999 as well as in the List of Recommended Varieties for Growing in Latvia in future.