Science at Latvia University of Agriculture – achievements and future perspectives

The beginnings of agricultural science in Latvia can be found in 1862 when Riga Polytechnic was founded. In 1863 the Agricultural department was created. Riga Polytechnic graduates Jānis Bergs, Paulis Lejiņš, Arvīds Leppiks, Pēteris Nomals and Jānis Vārsbergs were active scientists and later took part in the academic life of the University of Latvia and were the founders of Jelgava Academy of Agriculture. In 1919 the University of Latvia was founded, and the Faculty of Agriculture was included in it. In the middle of 1930s it was decided to create a branch of the University of Latvia in Jelgava- a city with famous culture, knowledge and science traditions. Jelgava Palace was destroyed in World War I and renovation was suggested by the Jelgava Council. On 26th of June, 1936 the Cabinet of Ministers decided to transfer the Faculty of Agriculture and establish a new higher education establishment – the Academy of Agriculture. On 23th December, 1938 the president Kārlis Ulmanis promulgated the law on the foundation of Jelgava Academy of Agriculture, which became effective on 1st July, 1939. Pāvils Kreišmanis was elected as the first rector. An intensive period of construction followed afterwards and the Academy was moved to Jelgava. The peaceful and creative academic and scientific work was ended by World War II. At the end of 1950s and the beginning of 1960s Jelgava became an academy city once again. The main research directions from 1990 to 2000 involved: The soils and waters of Latvia; The feeding of productive animals; Agrarian economics and the development of rural areas; The gene pool and breeding of plants and animals; The prediction of cultivated plants’ pests and diseases; Renewable energy sources and the resources of raw materials; The research of technologic and construction materials; The development of food products and their quality; The mechanized technologies of crop farming and animal production; The precautionary and treatment methods of animal diseases; Ecologically and economically balanced forest management. The prior research areas also change at the turn of the century. They are concerted with the priorities of the country: New materials and Technologies, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Information technology, Ecology and environment protection, Soil quality, conservation and protection, Water resource management and quality, Environmentally benign crop protection and nutrition, Landscape conservation and multifunctionality.