On Tuesday, 17 March, the government approved amendments to the procedure for granting support under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) for the implementation of area- and animal-related commitments. Going forward, farmers will be able to undertake new multiannual commitments and expand existing ones without restrictions, thereby encouraging broader participation in agri-environmental and organic farming support measures.
The amendments make agri-environmental support more accessible and flexible by increasing advance payments, expanding opportunities to undertake commitments, and reducing financial risks for farmers.
The approved changes also provide for maintaining the possibility in 2026 for farmers to undertake new multiannual commitments under the agri-environmental measure “Green Strips”. Furthermore, farmers will be allowed, where necessary, to mow or mulch vegetation growing in buffer strips more frequently than once per year in order to limit the spread of wild oats, silky bent grass, and other expansive or invasive species. This is particularly important because the use of plant protection products is prohibited in buffer strips, making mechanical maintenance the only effective solution while preserving biodiversity and preventing environmental pollution.
At the same time, the amendments provide for increasing the advance payment amount to 85% of the total support amount (previously 75%). This means that farmers will be able to receive a larger share of support already in the autumn, ensuring more stable cash flow at the end of the season and reducing financial risks related to maintaining agricultural operations.
The amendments also extend the deadline by which recipients of agri-environmental and organic farming support must complete mandatory professional training courses in agriculture and food production. The new deadline will be 31 October 2027 (previously 31 May).
The Ministry of Agriculture encourages farmers to evaluate their current farming practices and, where necessary, adapt them in order to take advantage this year of the opportunity to undertake new multiannual commitments and receive support within the framework of agri-environmental and organic farming measures.
The amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 197 of 18 April 2023, “Procedure for Granting Support for the Implementation of Area- and Animal-related Commitments under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development”, will enter into force on the day following their publication in the official gazette Latvijas Vēstnesis.
