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.

In the given article the development of the national economy in Latvia is discussed considering the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). According to the data of the Latvia Bureau of Statistics the GDP decreased twice in the period of 1990-1997. Taking into consideration the possibly high percentage of the shadow economy the decrease migth be only 1.5 times. Latvia possesses potential opportunities for the increase of GDP in 2010 at least twice in comparison with 1997 and also for directing development closer to the of the European Union. To ensure successful development radical improvement of Latvia economy policy is necessary.

The aim of the given research is to analyse and explain the household enterprise as a self-sufficient independent unit as well as to forecast and support its development in future. The number and types of household enterprises in Latvia are discussed considering the 1996 control data of the Latvia State Statistics Commitee. The necessity of further investigations of the composition and activity of household enterprises in Latvia is stated.

A total census of breeding Mute Swans on Liepaja lake (SW Latvia) in 1997 revealed 220 nests, and at least 800 non-breeding individuals. This was the highest number of breeding pairs recorded for this lake ever, and was also a record number for any water basin in Latvia and the Baltic states. Thus, colonial breeding of the Mute Swan was recorded for the first time in this region. The Liepaja lake is also known to be the most important wintering site for the Mute Swan in Latvia and one of the major sites on Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. The author had recorded some similiar cases of closely situated Mute Swan nests at other lakes in Latvia in preceding years too.

To determine the optimal farm sizes for the conditions of Latvia, the experience of other European countries has been studied. According to the statistic data, the medium-sized farms have a dominant role in agricultural production in European countries. The sizes of the present existing farms in Latvia have been analized, the formation of large farms is discussed. It has been concluded that in Latvia farms of different sizes will develop depending on the living and production conditions in the countryside.

A total of 15 bat species have been reported in Latvia. Four of them, Barbastella barbastellus, Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus leisleri and Myotis myotis, occur at the north-eastern edges of their distribution range. Reproduction has been proved for 9 species. Eight species hibernate in Latvia and 5 others are thought to be migratory. The assessment of the relative abundance according to the present knowledge is shown in Table 1. Due to the short history of systematic bat survey in Latvia, no reliable data about the population trends are available.

Beavers have been part of the landscape in Latvia throughout the post-glacial period. Their numbers were determined by the environment - the climate, water network and relief with little influence of man? Their role in environment continues today with new functions in antropogenic landscapes. Sometimes they provoke conflicts with land owners and foresters. Detailed survey of beavers was conducted in the Gauja National Park in August 1996. Then the beaver population in Latvia consisted of about 70000 individuals. A brief history of the extinction and recovery of beavers in Latvia is given with an emphasis on impact in the Gauja National Park.

The role of sensory evaluation in food science and food production industry is explained. The necessity and possibility of sensory evaluation are discussed. The real situation of sensory evaluation in food industry and science in Latvia is described. Some suggestions for introducing sensory evaluation planning in Latvia are presented.

Inventory and evaluation of the protected mires was carried out in 1995-1996. The study of mire vegetation was continued in 1997. On the basis of these studies the list of the studied mire communities was developed. The most valuable peatlands of Latvia were identified, as well as those which are of international importance and meet Ramsar Convention criteria. Six areas including mires of international importance were distinguished. The value of the studied mires was detected and their conservation status evaluated. More than 160 mires were studied throughout Latvia in all the geobotanical regions. The mire inventory is carried out as a combination of the field survey, study of cartographic data and aerial photos, and the existing information about the protected bogs and fens in Latvia.