Young farmer support policy in Latvia: the example of Latgale region
2016
Krisane, I., Ministry of Education and Science, Riga (Latvia) | Pilvere, I., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia). Faculty of Economics and Social Development
The agricultural sector in the European Union (EU) is characterised by an ageing farming population. A similar situation is present in Latvia too – in 2013 in agriculture only 8 294 farm managers or 10.1% were aged under 40; besides, the number of permanent agricultural employees aged under 34 tended to decline. It is particularly critical in Latgale region, which is located in the eastern border area (the border with the CIS) where socio-economic indicators are much lower than the national averages. It is important that increasingly greater focus in government policies and research is placed not only on the agricultural industry’s development on the whole but also on the wish of young people to return to rural areas and do business there, thereby contributing to the development of rural regions. For this reason, the research aim is defined as follows: to examine support possibilities for young farmers in Latvia, particularly in Latgale region. Young farmers were surveyed by questionnaire and expert opinions were identified to achieve the research aim. The research found that support measures for young farmers provided by the Rural Development Programme played an essential role in founding or inheriting farms. The knowledge and skills of young farmers were important in operating and expanding their farms as well as numerous obstacles had to be overcome by them.
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