Latvian President Rinkēvičs Visits Farms Affected by Severe Rain Damage in Latvia

Latvian Farmers Face Mounting Losses as Summer rains Trigger Crisis

Rēzekne, latvia – relentless rainfall throughout the summer has plunged latvian agriculture into a state of crisis, with widespread flooding and important crop damage reported across the country. Initial estimates of losses have surged from €60 million to €94 million in just a matter of weeks, prompting urgent calls for both EU and potential state support.

President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited “Lazdu mājas,” a 650-hectare farm in Dekšāre parish, Rēzekne municipality, today to assess the damage firsthand. Farmer Lauris Ikaunieks, who operates the farm alongside his parents, described 2023 as “a very difficult year,” citing continuous rain since May. the farm, which recently invested in a modern cow facility and carries associated credit obligations, grows cereals, maize, and fodder – all now threatened by the adverse weather.

“The challenge is the harvest itself,” Ikaunieks stated, explaining that while efforts are underway to salvage what remains, concerns are mounting over both the quantity and quality of yields, as well as the ability to manage existing debts. Waterlogged fields are also hindering machinery operation, and trampling of crops is exacerbating losses. Livestock farmers are additionally struggling to secure sufficient fodder for the approaching winter months.

President Rinkēvičs emphasized the dual nature of the challenge: uncontrollable weather patterns and the need for immediate,practical support for farmers. He advocated for a temporary suspension of routine farm inspections and a more tolerant, helpful approach from regulatory bodies.

“We should not bother farmers with various checks, we should be more tolerant, we should be more helpful,” Rinkēvičs stated.

The President confirmed that Agriculture Minister is actively working to secure emergency funding from the European Commission, but cautioned that the final tally of damages is still unfolding. He remained circumspect regarding the possibility of additional state aid.

Beyond the Immediate Crisis: The Future of Latvian Agriculture in a Changing Climate

This summerS events underscore a growing vulnerability within Latvian agriculture. While weather fluctuations are inherent to farming, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events – a hallmark of climate change – pose a long-term threat to the sector’s viability.

key considerations for the Future:

Diversification: Reducing reliance on single crops can mitigate risk.exploring drought-resistant varieties and choice farming methods is crucial. Infrastructure Investment: Improved drainage systems and flood defenses are essential to protect farmland.
Financial Resilience: Access to affordable credit and robust insurance schemes are vital for farmers to weather economic shocks.
EU Support: Continued and increased EU funding for agricultural adaptation and disaster relief is paramount.
* Technological Adoption: Precision agriculture techniques, utilizing data analytics and sensor technology, can optimize resource use and improve crop yields even under challenging conditions.

The situation in Latvia serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to build a more resilient and enduring agricultural sector, not just in Latvia, but across Europe. The coming months will be critical in determining the extent of the damage and the long-term impact on Latvian food security and rural livelihoods.

What specific types of financial aid, beyond emergency funding and tax relief, are being considered for farmers to rebuild and invest in climate resilience measures?

Assessing the Scale of agricultural Losses

On August 11, 2025, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs embarked on a tour of several farms across Latvia severely impacted by recent torrential rainfall and subsequent flooding. The visit aimed to directly assess the damage to agricultural lands, livestock, and crops, and to demonstrate governmental support for the affected farming communities. Initial reports indicate widespread devastation, especially in the Kurzeme and Zemgale regions – key agricultural areas for Latvia.

The President’s itinerary included stops at farms cultivating grain, potatoes, and dairy farms, representing a cross-section of Latvian agriculture. He spoke directly with farmers, hearing firsthand accounts of the challenges they face and the immediate needs for recovery. The focus of these conversations centered around crop loss, damage to infrastructure (including irrigation systems and storage facilities), and the welfare of livestock.

Immediate Government Response & Financial Aid

Following the initial assessment, President rinkēvičs announced a series of immediate measures to support the affected farmers. These include:

Emergency Funding: Allocation of €5 million in emergency funds for immediate relief efforts. This funding will be distributed through the Ministry of Agriculture and will prioritize assistance for restoring essential infrastructure and providing feed for livestock.

Tax Relief: Temporary deferral of tax payments for farmers in the affected regions. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on farmers during the recovery period.

Streamlined Aid Applications: Simplification of the submission process for accessing EU agricultural funds and national support programs. The government is working to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite the delivery of aid.

Veterinary Support: Increased veterinary services to monitor and address potential outbreaks of disease among livestock affected by the flooding.

These measures are designed to provide short-term relief while a more comprehensive long-term recovery plan is developed. The Latvian government is also actively seeking support from the European Union’s agricultural crisis reserve.

Impact on Key Crops and Livestock

The severe weather has had a importent impact on several key agricultural sectors in Latvia:

Grain Production: Extensive damage to wheat, barley, and rye crops, perhaps leading to a decrease in grain yields for the 2025 harvest.This could impact both domestic food security and export revenues.

Potato Farming: Widespread flooding of potato fields,resulting in significant crop losses. Potatoes are a staple food in Latvia, and the damage could lead to price increases for consumers.

Dairy Farming: Disruption to milk production due to difficulties in accessing pastures and providing adequate feed for dairy cows. The flooding also poses a risk to animal health.

Livestock Losses: Reports of livestock deaths due to drowning and disease. The exact number is still being assessed, but the losses are expected to be substantial.

Long-Term Recovery and Infrastructure Improvements

Beyond immediate relief, the Latvian government recognizes the need for long-term investments in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events. This includes:

1. Drainage System Upgrades: Investment in improving drainage systems in vulnerable agricultural areas to reduce the risk of flooding.
2. Irrigation Infrastructure: Modernization of irrigation infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply for crops during periods of drought.
3. Climate Resilience Measures: Implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance the resilience of farms to extreme weather events. This includes promoting drought-resistant crop varieties and improving soil health.
4. Flood Defense Systems: Exploration of options for constructing flood defense systems in particularly vulnerable areas.

The Role of the Latvian Language in Disaster Communication

As per the Latvian Constitution https://worldschoolbooks.com/languages/overview-of-the-latvian-language/, all official communication regarding disaster relief and support is being disseminated in Latvian. this ensures clear and accessible facts for all citizens, particularly those directly affected by the flooding. Government websites, public announcements, and emergency hotlines are all operating exclusively in Latvian, with translation services available where needed.

Farmer Perspectives: On-the-Ground Reports

Farmers interviewed during the President’s visit expressed gratitude for the government’s swift response but also highlighted the long road to recovery ahead. Many emphasized the need for continued support and access to affordable credit to rebuild their farms. Several farmers also pointed to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events as a sign of the growing impact of climate change on Latvian agriculture. One dairy farmer in Kurzeme stated, “This is the worst flooding I’ve seen in 30 years.We need help not just now, but to prepare for what’s coming.”