Irina Pilvere - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Irina Pilvere

Rural development, Jan 31, 2024

Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference "Economic Science for Rural Development"/Economic Science for Rural Development, May 10, 2023

In the European Union (EU), the cattle sector is made up of meat and dairy farming. These sectors... more In the European Union (EU), the cattle sector is made up of meat and dairy farming. These sectors are closely interlinked, as a significant proportion of dairy cows are slaughtered for meat. In the mid-1990s, as market conditions changed in Latvia's agricultural sector, the development of specialised breeds of beef cattle began, so the aim of the research is to examine trends in the development of beef cattle breeding in Latvia. Dairy farming is still one of the largest agricultural sectors in Latvia, but between 2003 and 2023 the total number of specialised beef cattle herds in Latvia has decreased by 46.9%, while the number of specialised beef cattle themselves has increased almost four times compared to 2003. The results of the study show, in 2023, the most popular beef cattle breeds were Charolais, Limousine, Hereford and Aberdinangus, and these breeds accounted for 87% of the total number of beef cattle. The beef cattle industry showed a positive trend in the development of specialized beef cattle breeds with an increase in the number of herds of 3-49 and 50-199 cattle in 2023, which accounted for 86% of the total number of beef cattle. In Latvia, beef cattle are concentrated in certain districts in the eastern, western, and northern parts of the country where favourable conditions (pastures) are available for rearing them. Authors conclude that in the future, farms producing cattle of specialized beef breeds will have to review their production practices in order to adapt to environmentally friendly solutions and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the European Green Deal.

Veterinary World, Sep 30, 2023

Background and Aim: Poultry production is the fastest growing livestock industry in the world, as... more Background and Aim: Poultry production is the fastest growing livestock industry in the world, as the rapid growth of and efficient absorption of feed by poultry ensure the production of poultry meat with a relatively low carbon footprint. Seeking new ways to increase livestock productivity as well as poultry product quality, the number of research studies on the use of humic substances of various origins in livestock farming has increased significantly, emphasizing the role of feed additives derived from local resources. The unique capability of humic substances to improve metabolic processes allows the immune protection of the bird body to be strengthened and production efficiency to be increased. This study aimed to identify the effects of sodium humate (NaHum) on the growth performance of broiler chickens and selected blood and ileum microbiota parameters. Materials and Methods: Dietary research was conducted 2 times under production conditions in a poultry facility of a commercial company, with 210 1-day-old, unsorted broiler chickens of both sexes (Ross 308). The broiler chickens were fed with standard commercial feed, the rearing period of 35 days, and slaughtered on day 36. Sodium humate additive was added to drinking water for the research groups of broilers in period from 8 th to 35 th day of life, 25 mL (Group 1, n = 2 × 35) and 50 mL (Group 2, n = 2 × 35) per liter of drinking water. Sodium humate contained an average of 4.48% dry matter, a kilogram of dry matter containing 104.3 g of crude protein, 3.6 g of crude fiber and 0.9 g of crude fat, 14.3 MJ of metabolic energy, and 5.8 MJ of energy for live weight gain, as well as a very high content of crude ash -759.8 g, including 4.2 g Ca, 4.2 g Na, and 4.81 g Fe, the dry matter digestibility of NaHum was 87.0%, and the absorption capacity of dry matter was 113.2%., the pH level was 13.0, i.e., alkaline. At the end of the dietary research, the productivity and economic efficiency of the research groups of broilers were calculated by live weight gain, carcass weight, feed conversation ratio, and blood and intestinal samples of broilers were analyzed to identify the effects of NaHum on the growth performance and health status of broilers. Results: Dietary research found that adding 25 mL/L and 50 mL/L of NaHum to drinking water for the broiler chickens increased their live weights at the selling age, average live weight gains by 3.06-3.93%, and carcass weights by 5.07-6.06%, while feed conversion increased in terms of both live weight (1.5 and 1.51) and carcass weight (1.84 and 1.86) compared with the control group. The best economic performance in terms of the economic efficiency index and the cost index (CI) was found in Group 1, which was fed with the NaHum additive at an intake rate of 25 mL/L. The NaHum additive modulated the ileal microbiota and metabolic processes in the broiler body. At the same time, a significant decrease in the levels of total protein, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus (P) in blood was found in the research groups. Considering the positive effects of NaHum derived from freshwater sapropel on the productivity and economic efficiency of broiler chickens, the NaHum feed additive should be further investigated on a larger scale to obtain results that could reasonably be used in practice. This study concluded that a decrease in P levels in the blood was observed when NaHum was added to the drinking water; therefore, it is important to continue the research to draw reasonable conclusions on the effects of NaHum in liquid form on the health performance of farm animals.

Economics and rural development, 2011

Almost LVL 1.7 billion has been paid as support for agriculture and rural development in Latvia i... more Almost LVL 1.7 billion has been paid as support for agriculture and rural development in Latvia in the period of 2004-2010, which positively affected the development of agricultural industry. The value added of the industry reached LVL 460 million in 2010, accounting for 4% of total value added in the country, which was the pre-crisis level. The research aim is to assess the effect of support payments on the economic performance indicators of farms of various sizes in Latvia in the period of 2004-2009. The methods of analysis and synthesis, the logical and constructive method, and the statistical analysis methods -correlation and regression were employed to perform the research tasks. The paper presents an assessment of the effect of support payments on the economic performance indicators of farms of various sizes based on the FADN data for the period of 2004-2009. The total annual amount of support per farm was LVL 10.7 thousand on average in 2009 and ranged from LVL 3.6 thousand for very small farms to LVL 315 thousand for very large farms. The use of financial support is more efficient on large farms, as a larger quantity of agricultural goods is produced by means of a smaller amount of support. Over the recent years, the financial dependence of farms on support payments increases with the rise of the share of support in the net turnover of farms, and it exceeds the net income of farms several times. The strength of relationships between the amount of support payments and nine economic performance indicators was determined for farm groups of various sizes by means of correlation and regression analyses.

Economics and rural development, 2013

The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure "Payments to farmers in areas with handi... more The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure "Payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas" under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 on and its relation to various socio-economic indicators in Latvia in the period 2004-2010. To achieve the aim, first, the indicators of this kind of support in Latvia were assessed and its relation to other socio-economic indicators of Latvian municipalities were analysed. The purpose of this support measure is to promote the maintenance of rural landscapes and provide and stimulate sustainable economic activity by employing environmentally friendly methods in the territories in which agricultural activity is handicapped. The funding for this measure totalled LVL 2001.5 mln in the period 2004-2010 or on average LVL 26-27 mln a year, and its role in the total amount of support decreased, yet, this support promoted the use of agricultural land and affected the total number of farms and the number of crop, grazing livestock, dairy, and mixed livestock farms as well as the number of employees in agriculture and the number of grazing livestock.

Biogas production becomes increasingly popular in Latvia. The development of the biogas industry ... more Biogas production becomes increasingly popular in Latvia. The development of the biogas industry depends on national and European Union (EU) support, as biogas production is not economically efficient without the support. In 2014 Latvia introduced a new taxthe subsidized energy tax (SET)that influences all biogas producers in the country. A 10% tax rate is applied to incomes gained from: 1) electricity sold under the mandatory purchase obligation; 2) guaranteed payments for the electrical capacity installed in a cogeneration plant or a power plant. However, there is an opportunity to apply the reduced SET rate of 5%. This is a government support scheme that may be applied to the tax payers that meet the criteria for effective thermal energy use: the operation of biogas facilities, the production of products or their sale to a related person, thereby ensuring the operation of the enterprise. For this purpose, the biogas facility has to be equipped with meters for measuring thermal energy generated; accurate readings of the meters at the generator output have to be specified in monthly tax reports. The research analyzed the fiscal effects of the SET on biogas production enterprises and opportunities for the reduced SET rate to be applied. The reduced SET rate is paid by 29 out of 61 (28%) biogas producers listed in the Register of Subsidized Electricity Producers. The research employed analysis and synthesis, logical construction, the monographic method and statistical analysis and performed calculations. The authors assessed the situation at four biogas production enterprises that were different in terms of output capacity and inputs used. An analysis of gross profit margins allowed concluding that there were considerable differences in expected gross profit margin among various producers: from 13% to 50%, which would be able to influence their decisions to construct a biogas facility if the SET situation were known.

Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately ... more Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately 400 thsd ha, according to the data in the identification system of agricultural parcels, were undeclared for the Single Area Payment Scheme in 2012 and, of the agricultural area, 10 % was uncultivated and 2% was overgrown. It creates unique opportunities and a potential for enhancing the management and use of land in the future to increase the output of agricultural products. Using expert forecasts and a specially developed methodology, calculations on the potential for crop yields and total crop output in Latvia for 2020 were performed based on the utilised agricultural area, composition of sown area, and type of farming in 2012. In the calculations the following indicators were taken into account: increases in crop yields in the current area and, the production of crops in the area that was not exploited in 2012. It was determined that in Latvia in 2020 compared with 2012, there would be good opportunities for enhancing the efficiency of use of land for all groups of agricultural crops. Yet, to ensure the exploitation of an additional area, long-term investments of LVL 120-156 mln are required, of which half is investment in machinery and equipment. The source of long-term investments will be support measures of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, yet, provisionally at least a fourth of the public funding intended for investment in agriculture has to be allocated to these measures.

Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference "Economic Science for Rural Development", May 11, 2022

As a member state of the European Union (EU), Latvia has undertaken to introduce measures to redu... more As a member state of the European Union (EU), Latvia has undertaken to introduce measures to reduce the negative consequences of climate change, as stated in the European Green Deal climate neutrality strategy. In order to tackle the challenges identified in the European Green Deal, one must reach an equilibrium between the production and the absorption of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2030. The EU goal is to achieve a 55% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, as compared to 1990. It is also planned to make future human activity more climate-neutral, which means saving resources, optimising energy consumption, recycling waste into new products, using agricultural products, including food, to their full extent, without losses. Significant changes in the key economic sectors of member states are to take place in accomplishing the EU climate neutrality goals. Recycling of waste is an integral component of circular economy. Biogas reactors make it possible to efficiently recycle biological waste, producing biogas. Biogas is a resource suitable for generating electric power and heat; while refining biogas, one can produce biomethane, to serve as an alternative to currently used types of fossil fuels. The goal of this study is to analyse the possibility of manufacturing biomethane from organic waste, through the use of biogas plants that receive funding via the mandatory procurement system in Latvia. The study revealed that at least half of the biogas plants, if repurposed for the manufacture of biomethane, would be able to generate EUR 70.2 million in revenue within a year, assuming a biomethane price of EUR 100 per MWh -1 , thus fully compensating any income not received through mandatory procurement funding.

The use of renewable energy sources incl. biogas has become topical in accordance with the increa... more The use of renewable energy sources incl. biogas has become topical in accordance with the increasing demand for energy, decrease of fossil energy resources and the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as to increase energy independence from the territories where fossil energy resources are available. As the technologies of biogas production from agricultural biomass develop, risk assessment and risk management become necessary for farms producing such a renewable energy. The need for risk assessments has become particularly topical when discussions on changing the biogas policy in the EU take place, which may influence the development of the sector in the future, as well as the operation of existing biogas facilities and their income level. The current article describes results of the risk assessment for farms producing biomass from agriculture biomass in Latvia, the risk assessment system included 24 risks, that affect the whole biogas production process and the obta...

Since accession to the European Union (EU) Latvia has received the EU financial support to reach ... more Since accession to the European Union (EU) Latvia has received the EU financial support to reach several goals in agriculture. Rural Development Plan (RDP) measure “Meeting of Standards” received a large attention and popularity between agriculturists. Totally 8278 projects have been submitted and 7800 were approved and accomplished. The funding allocated for this measure is EUR 66 million constituting a significant part (16%) of total financing under the RDP for the period of 2004-2006. The research aim is to evaluate the impact of RDP measure Meeting of standards on the development of agricultural holdings in Latvia over the period of 2004-2008. The achieved implementation result of the measure is conformity of agricultural holdings to the EU standards. It will serve as promotion of achieving the required qualification to uptake the funding under the Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013 for further modernisation of agricultural holdings. The study provides analysis and assess...

Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately ... more Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately 400 thsd ha, according to the data in the identification system of agricultural parcels, were undeclared for the Single Area Payment Scheme in 2012 and, of the agricultural area, 10 % was uncultivated and 2% was overgrown. It creates unique opportunities and a potential for enhancing the management and use of land in the future to increase the output of agricultural products. Using expert forecasts and a specially developed methodology, calculations on the potential for crop yields and total crop output in Latvia for 2020 were performed based on the utilised agricultural area, composition of sown area, and type of farming in 2012. In the calculations the following indicators were taken into account: increases in crop yields in the current area and, the production of crops in the area that was not exploited in 2012. It was determined that in Latvia in 2020 compared with 2012, there would ...

International journal of economics and finance, 2011

The aim of this research is to make an economic assessment of the administrative burden, which is... more The aim of this research is to make an economic assessment of the administrative burden, which is created by the construction regulation, on enterprises of Jelgava municipality in Latvia and to find solutions of how to reduce the administrative burden on enterprises by having no negative impact on the construction process. The research was carried out in the period 2009-2011. To evaluate the administrative burden, the Standard Cost Model with some modifications and adaptations was used. It was concluded that 9 legislative acts related to construction are creating a notable bureaucratic burden (EUR 2.94 million annually) on enterprises in Jelgava municipality. The authors have developed 37 recommendations to reduce the administrative burden and by implementing these recommendations, the administrative burden on enterprises could be reduced by 45% or EUR 1.33 million annually.

The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure “Payments to farmers in areas with handi... more The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure “Payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas” under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 on and its relation to various socio-economic indicators in Latvia in the period 2004-2010. To achieve the aim, first, the indicators of this kind of support in Latvia were assessed and its relation to other so-cio-economic indicators of Latvian municipalities were analysed. The purpose of this support measure is to promote the maintenance of rural landscapes and provide and stimulate sustainable economic activity by employing environmentally friendly methods in the territories in which agricultural activity is handicapped. The funding for this measure totalled LVL 2001.5 mln in the period 2004-2010 or on average LVL 26-27 mln a year, and its role in the total amount of support decreased, yet, this support promoted the use of agricultural land and affected the total number of farms and the number of crop, gr...

Journal on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 2013

Risk assessment is an important factor for successf ul and sustainable entrepreneurship of bioene... more Risk assessment is an important factor for successf ul and sustainable entrepreneurship of bioenergy productio n that has become one of the priorities in energy sector o f Latvia. Promotion of the use of renewable energy is included as one of the strategic goals for European Union (EU) and Latvia. As this field of energy production in Latvia is rather new and scantily explored there ar e many risk factors arising in different stages of product ion, starting with planning and building of a bioreactor and ending with production and further use and distribu ion of energy. The present research focuses on risk assess ment in renewable energy production form biomass as this kind of energy is seen as a perspective source for renew abl energy under the conditions of Latvia. A risk asses ment module for renewable energy production made by usin g the Analytic Network Process (ANP) software is described in the paper.

Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development, 2011

Historically Latvia has been developed as a country of agricultural production. There is a low ec... more Historically Latvia has been developed as a country of agricultural production. There is a low economical activity in rural areas, the level of rural households income is almost by third lower than in town households. It was a great opportunity for rural areas in Latvia, when the Funds became available from European Union (EU). Research aim: to analyze EU support utilization for production of bioenergy in rural areas of Latvia. Research methods: theoretical discussion, statistical data analyses, analyses and syntheses, expert interviews. Research results: For the EU planning period 2007–2013 the Rural Development plan, worked out by Ministry of Agriculture, has four axes, where the third axe is Promotion of rural life quality and its diversification financed by European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). One of the subactivities is to support production of renewable energy from by-products of agricultural production.

In Latvia the production resource – land is not exploited efficiently, and there is a large poten... more In Latvia the production resource – land is not exploited efficiently, and there is a large potential for land to be used in efficient agricultural production. National task is set for the next years in Latvia to retain agricultural land for agricultural production, in order to efficiently manage approximately 2 million ha. The agricultural sector is an important source of nitric oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Increasing agricultural production is expected to increase the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Latvia. Emissions depend on the specialization and the farm grown products. Quantifying emissions from different specialization farms can identify the main sources of emissions and make decisions to reduce them.

Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development, 2011

The specifics and problems of agricultural industry – dependency on climatic conditions, price fl... more The specifics and problems of agricultural industry – dependency on climatic conditions, price fluctuations, market inelasticity, high capital intensity, slow turnover of capital, irreplaceability and immobility of land as the main resource in agricultural production, low labour mobility, etc., have historically forced to implement various protectionism policies in this industry. Agriculture in European Union (EU) countries depends on the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Research aim: to investigate the specifics of agricultural industry that led to the implementation of protectionism policies in the world and to characterise the EU CAP, outlining its major features in the future. Research methods: scientific discussion, analysis and synthesis, as well as logical and constructive methods and statistical data analysis. Research results: CAP was designed in 1957 with the purpose of protecting and promoting agricultural development; it underwent several reforms, yet its share in th...

The small farmers play a key role in meeting the future food demand of the population and in the ... more The small farmers play a key role in meeting the future food demand of the population and in the economic and social development of rural areas. The European Union (EU) employs different methods to define small agricultural holdings and provides different information sources, hence, hindering the application of a single approach to fostering farm development in the EU Member States. Therefore, the aim of the present research is to analyse the historical background of formation of small agricultural holdings and their number in Latvia, based on various information sources. The country’s historical background determined the formation of private agricultural holdings in Latvia, since the independence was regained in 1991 after more than 50 years of collective farming under socialism, and the countryside, alongside with the land reform, needed also the management reform, i.e. both of the former constituting integral parts of the agrarian reform. The number of small holdings in Latvia di...

800x600 In Latvia, 98% of land is situated in the countryside. From the total area of Latvia, 46%... more 800x600 In Latvia, 98% of land is situated in the countryside. From the total area of Latvia, 46% of it comprises woodland and 38% is agricultural land . In 2006, 73% of agricultural land was arable land. Having investigated information from different state institutions’ data bases, such as State Land Service, State Forest Service, Rural Support Service and scientists’ data base, the essential quantitative differences were found. In Latvia, different institutions measure and record land areas differently. In this research paper, the author performs a comparative analysis of agricultural land and woodland in the four above-mentioned institutions’ data bases. Various quantitative and qualitative measurements were applied in the analysis of land. For example, the measurements for agricultural land were cadastral value and the estimate in points of land quality, for woodland – cadastral value and the price of land and their changes in the years 2000 – 2006. The price of land has substan...

Rural development, Jan 31, 2024

Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference "Economic Science for Rural Development"/Economic Science for Rural Development, May 10, 2023

In the European Union (EU), the cattle sector is made up of meat and dairy farming. These sectors... more In the European Union (EU), the cattle sector is made up of meat and dairy farming. These sectors are closely interlinked, as a significant proportion of dairy cows are slaughtered for meat. In the mid-1990s, as market conditions changed in Latvia's agricultural sector, the development of specialised breeds of beef cattle began, so the aim of the research is to examine trends in the development of beef cattle breeding in Latvia. Dairy farming is still one of the largest agricultural sectors in Latvia, but between 2003 and 2023 the total number of specialised beef cattle herds in Latvia has decreased by 46.9%, while the number of specialised beef cattle themselves has increased almost four times compared to 2003. The results of the study show, in 2023, the most popular beef cattle breeds were Charolais, Limousine, Hereford and Aberdinangus, and these breeds accounted for 87% of the total number of beef cattle. The beef cattle industry showed a positive trend in the development of specialized beef cattle breeds with an increase in the number of herds of 3-49 and 50-199 cattle in 2023, which accounted for 86% of the total number of beef cattle. In Latvia, beef cattle are concentrated in certain districts in the eastern, western, and northern parts of the country where favourable conditions (pastures) are available for rearing them. Authors conclude that in the future, farms producing cattle of specialized beef breeds will have to review their production practices in order to adapt to environmentally friendly solutions and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the European Green Deal.

Veterinary World, Sep 30, 2023

Background and Aim: Poultry production is the fastest growing livestock industry in the world, as... more Background and Aim: Poultry production is the fastest growing livestock industry in the world, as the rapid growth of and efficient absorption of feed by poultry ensure the production of poultry meat with a relatively low carbon footprint. Seeking new ways to increase livestock productivity as well as poultry product quality, the number of research studies on the use of humic substances of various origins in livestock farming has increased significantly, emphasizing the role of feed additives derived from local resources. The unique capability of humic substances to improve metabolic processes allows the immune protection of the bird body to be strengthened and production efficiency to be increased. This study aimed to identify the effects of sodium humate (NaHum) on the growth performance of broiler chickens and selected blood and ileum microbiota parameters. Materials and Methods: Dietary research was conducted 2 times under production conditions in a poultry facility of a commercial company, with 210 1-day-old, unsorted broiler chickens of both sexes (Ross 308). The broiler chickens were fed with standard commercial feed, the rearing period of 35 days, and slaughtered on day 36. Sodium humate additive was added to drinking water for the research groups of broilers in period from 8 th to 35 th day of life, 25 mL (Group 1, n = 2 × 35) and 50 mL (Group 2, n = 2 × 35) per liter of drinking water. Sodium humate contained an average of 4.48% dry matter, a kilogram of dry matter containing 104.3 g of crude protein, 3.6 g of crude fiber and 0.9 g of crude fat, 14.3 MJ of metabolic energy, and 5.8 MJ of energy for live weight gain, as well as a very high content of crude ash -759.8 g, including 4.2 g Ca, 4.2 g Na, and 4.81 g Fe, the dry matter digestibility of NaHum was 87.0%, and the absorption capacity of dry matter was 113.2%., the pH level was 13.0, i.e., alkaline. At the end of the dietary research, the productivity and economic efficiency of the research groups of broilers were calculated by live weight gain, carcass weight, feed conversation ratio, and blood and intestinal samples of broilers were analyzed to identify the effects of NaHum on the growth performance and health status of broilers. Results: Dietary research found that adding 25 mL/L and 50 mL/L of NaHum to drinking water for the broiler chickens increased their live weights at the selling age, average live weight gains by 3.06-3.93%, and carcass weights by 5.07-6.06%, while feed conversion increased in terms of both live weight (1.5 and 1.51) and carcass weight (1.84 and 1.86) compared with the control group. The best economic performance in terms of the economic efficiency index and the cost index (CI) was found in Group 1, which was fed with the NaHum additive at an intake rate of 25 mL/L. The NaHum additive modulated the ileal microbiota and metabolic processes in the broiler body. At the same time, a significant decrease in the levels of total protein, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus (P) in blood was found in the research groups. Considering the positive effects of NaHum derived from freshwater sapropel on the productivity and economic efficiency of broiler chickens, the NaHum feed additive should be further investigated on a larger scale to obtain results that could reasonably be used in practice. This study concluded that a decrease in P levels in the blood was observed when NaHum was added to the drinking water; therefore, it is important to continue the research to draw reasonable conclusions on the effects of NaHum in liquid form on the health performance of farm animals.

Economics and rural development, 2011

Almost LVL 1.7 billion has been paid as support for agriculture and rural development in Latvia i... more Almost LVL 1.7 billion has been paid as support for agriculture and rural development in Latvia in the period of 2004-2010, which positively affected the development of agricultural industry. The value added of the industry reached LVL 460 million in 2010, accounting for 4% of total value added in the country, which was the pre-crisis level. The research aim is to assess the effect of support payments on the economic performance indicators of farms of various sizes in Latvia in the period of 2004-2009. The methods of analysis and synthesis, the logical and constructive method, and the statistical analysis methods -correlation and regression were employed to perform the research tasks. The paper presents an assessment of the effect of support payments on the economic performance indicators of farms of various sizes based on the FADN data for the period of 2004-2009. The total annual amount of support per farm was LVL 10.7 thousand on average in 2009 and ranged from LVL 3.6 thousand for very small farms to LVL 315 thousand for very large farms. The use of financial support is more efficient on large farms, as a larger quantity of agricultural goods is produced by means of a smaller amount of support. Over the recent years, the financial dependence of farms on support payments increases with the rise of the share of support in the net turnover of farms, and it exceeds the net income of farms several times. The strength of relationships between the amount of support payments and nine economic performance indicators was determined for farm groups of various sizes by means of correlation and regression analyses.

Economics and rural development, 2013

The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure "Payments to farmers in areas with handi... more The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure "Payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas" under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 on and its relation to various socio-economic indicators in Latvia in the period 2004-2010. To achieve the aim, first, the indicators of this kind of support in Latvia were assessed and its relation to other socio-economic indicators of Latvian municipalities were analysed. The purpose of this support measure is to promote the maintenance of rural landscapes and provide and stimulate sustainable economic activity by employing environmentally friendly methods in the territories in which agricultural activity is handicapped. The funding for this measure totalled LVL 2001.5 mln in the period 2004-2010 or on average LVL 26-27 mln a year, and its role in the total amount of support decreased, yet, this support promoted the use of agricultural land and affected the total number of farms and the number of crop, grazing livestock, dairy, and mixed livestock farms as well as the number of employees in agriculture and the number of grazing livestock.

Biogas production becomes increasingly popular in Latvia. The development of the biogas industry ... more Biogas production becomes increasingly popular in Latvia. The development of the biogas industry depends on national and European Union (EU) support, as biogas production is not economically efficient without the support. In 2014 Latvia introduced a new taxthe subsidized energy tax (SET)that influences all biogas producers in the country. A 10% tax rate is applied to incomes gained from: 1) electricity sold under the mandatory purchase obligation; 2) guaranteed payments for the electrical capacity installed in a cogeneration plant or a power plant. However, there is an opportunity to apply the reduced SET rate of 5%. This is a government support scheme that may be applied to the tax payers that meet the criteria for effective thermal energy use: the operation of biogas facilities, the production of products or their sale to a related person, thereby ensuring the operation of the enterprise. For this purpose, the biogas facility has to be equipped with meters for measuring thermal energy generated; accurate readings of the meters at the generator output have to be specified in monthly tax reports. The research analyzed the fiscal effects of the SET on biogas production enterprises and opportunities for the reduced SET rate to be applied. The reduced SET rate is paid by 29 out of 61 (28%) biogas producers listed in the Register of Subsidized Electricity Producers. The research employed analysis and synthesis, logical construction, the monographic method and statistical analysis and performed calculations. The authors assessed the situation at four biogas production enterprises that were different in terms of output capacity and inputs used. An analysis of gross profit margins allowed concluding that there were considerable differences in expected gross profit margin among various producers: from 13% to 50%, which would be able to influence their decisions to construct a biogas facility if the SET situation were known.

Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately ... more Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately 400 thsd ha, according to the data in the identification system of agricultural parcels, were undeclared for the Single Area Payment Scheme in 2012 and, of the agricultural area, 10 % was uncultivated and 2% was overgrown. It creates unique opportunities and a potential for enhancing the management and use of land in the future to increase the output of agricultural products. Using expert forecasts and a specially developed methodology, calculations on the potential for crop yields and total crop output in Latvia for 2020 were performed based on the utilised agricultural area, composition of sown area, and type of farming in 2012. In the calculations the following indicators were taken into account: increases in crop yields in the current area and, the production of crops in the area that was not exploited in 2012. It was determined that in Latvia in 2020 compared with 2012, there would be good opportunities for enhancing the efficiency of use of land for all groups of agricultural crops. Yet, to ensure the exploitation of an additional area, long-term investments of LVL 120-156 mln are required, of which half is investment in machinery and equipment. The source of long-term investments will be support measures of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, yet, provisionally at least a fourth of the public funding intended for investment in agriculture has to be allocated to these measures.

Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference "Economic Science for Rural Development", May 11, 2022

As a member state of the European Union (EU), Latvia has undertaken to introduce measures to redu... more As a member state of the European Union (EU), Latvia has undertaken to introduce measures to reduce the negative consequences of climate change, as stated in the European Green Deal climate neutrality strategy. In order to tackle the challenges identified in the European Green Deal, one must reach an equilibrium between the production and the absorption of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2030. The EU goal is to achieve a 55% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, as compared to 1990. It is also planned to make future human activity more climate-neutral, which means saving resources, optimising energy consumption, recycling waste into new products, using agricultural products, including food, to their full extent, without losses. Significant changes in the key economic sectors of member states are to take place in accomplishing the EU climate neutrality goals. Recycling of waste is an integral component of circular economy. Biogas reactors make it possible to efficiently recycle biological waste, producing biogas. Biogas is a resource suitable for generating electric power and heat; while refining biogas, one can produce biomethane, to serve as an alternative to currently used types of fossil fuels. The goal of this study is to analyse the possibility of manufacturing biomethane from organic waste, through the use of biogas plants that receive funding via the mandatory procurement system in Latvia. The study revealed that at least half of the biogas plants, if repurposed for the manufacture of biomethane, would be able to generate EUR 70.2 million in revenue within a year, assuming a biomethane price of EUR 100 per MWh -1 , thus fully compensating any income not received through mandatory procurement funding.

The use of renewable energy sources incl. biogas has become topical in accordance with the increa... more The use of renewable energy sources incl. biogas has become topical in accordance with the increasing demand for energy, decrease of fossil energy resources and the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as to increase energy independence from the territories where fossil energy resources are available. As the technologies of biogas production from agricultural biomass develop, risk assessment and risk management become necessary for farms producing such a renewable energy. The need for risk assessments has become particularly topical when discussions on changing the biogas policy in the EU take place, which may influence the development of the sector in the future, as well as the operation of existing biogas facilities and their income level. The current article describes results of the risk assessment for farms producing biomass from agriculture biomass in Latvia, the risk assessment system included 24 risks, that affect the whole biogas production process and the obta...

Since accession to the European Union (EU) Latvia has received the EU financial support to reach ... more Since accession to the European Union (EU) Latvia has received the EU financial support to reach several goals in agriculture. Rural Development Plan (RDP) measure “Meeting of Standards” received a large attention and popularity between agriculturists. Totally 8278 projects have been submitted and 7800 were approved and accomplished. The funding allocated for this measure is EUR 66 million constituting a significant part (16%) of total financing under the RDP for the period of 2004-2006. The research aim is to evaluate the impact of RDP measure Meeting of standards on the development of agricultural holdings in Latvia over the period of 2004-2008. The achieved implementation result of the measure is conformity of agricultural holdings to the EU standards. It will serve as promotion of achieving the required qualification to uptake the funding under the Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013 for further modernisation of agricultural holdings. The study provides analysis and assess...

Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately ... more Land as a resource of agricultural production is not fully exploited in Latvia, as approximately 400 thsd ha, according to the data in the identification system of agricultural parcels, were undeclared for the Single Area Payment Scheme in 2012 and, of the agricultural area, 10 % was uncultivated and 2% was overgrown. It creates unique opportunities and a potential for enhancing the management and use of land in the future to increase the output of agricultural products. Using expert forecasts and a specially developed methodology, calculations on the potential for crop yields and total crop output in Latvia for 2020 were performed based on the utilised agricultural area, composition of sown area, and type of farming in 2012. In the calculations the following indicators were taken into account: increases in crop yields in the current area and, the production of crops in the area that was not exploited in 2012. It was determined that in Latvia in 2020 compared with 2012, there would ...

International journal of economics and finance, 2011

The aim of this research is to make an economic assessment of the administrative burden, which is... more The aim of this research is to make an economic assessment of the administrative burden, which is created by the construction regulation, on enterprises of Jelgava municipality in Latvia and to find solutions of how to reduce the administrative burden on enterprises by having no negative impact on the construction process. The research was carried out in the period 2009-2011. To evaluate the administrative burden, the Standard Cost Model with some modifications and adaptations was used. It was concluded that 9 legislative acts related to construction are creating a notable bureaucratic burden (EUR 2.94 million annually) on enterprises in Jelgava municipality. The authors have developed 37 recommendations to reduce the administrative burden and by implementing these recommendations, the administrative burden on enterprises could be reduced by 45% or EUR 1.33 million annually.

The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure “Payments to farmers in areas with handi... more The research aim is to assess the effects of the measure “Payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas” under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 on and its relation to various socio-economic indicators in Latvia in the period 2004-2010. To achieve the aim, first, the indicators of this kind of support in Latvia were assessed and its relation to other so-cio-economic indicators of Latvian municipalities were analysed. The purpose of this support measure is to promote the maintenance of rural landscapes and provide and stimulate sustainable economic activity by employing environmentally friendly methods in the territories in which agricultural activity is handicapped. The funding for this measure totalled LVL 2001.5 mln in the period 2004-2010 or on average LVL 26-27 mln a year, and its role in the total amount of support decreased, yet, this support promoted the use of agricultural land and affected the total number of farms and the number of crop, gr...

Journal on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 2013

Risk assessment is an important factor for successf ul and sustainable entrepreneurship of bioene... more Risk assessment is an important factor for successf ul and sustainable entrepreneurship of bioenergy productio n that has become one of the priorities in energy sector o f Latvia. Promotion of the use of renewable energy is included as one of the strategic goals for European Union (EU) and Latvia. As this field of energy production in Latvia is rather new and scantily explored there ar e many risk factors arising in different stages of product ion, starting with planning and building of a bioreactor and ending with production and further use and distribu ion of energy. The present research focuses on risk assess ment in renewable energy production form biomass as this kind of energy is seen as a perspective source for renew abl energy under the conditions of Latvia. A risk asses ment module for renewable energy production made by usin g the Analytic Network Process (ANP) software is described in the paper.

Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development, 2011

Historically Latvia has been developed as a country of agricultural production. There is a low ec... more Historically Latvia has been developed as a country of agricultural production. There is a low economical activity in rural areas, the level of rural households income is almost by third lower than in town households. It was a great opportunity for rural areas in Latvia, when the Funds became available from European Union (EU). Research aim: to analyze EU support utilization for production of bioenergy in rural areas of Latvia. Research methods: theoretical discussion, statistical data analyses, analyses and syntheses, expert interviews. Research results: For the EU planning period 2007–2013 the Rural Development plan, worked out by Ministry of Agriculture, has four axes, where the third axe is Promotion of rural life quality and its diversification financed by European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). One of the subactivities is to support production of renewable energy from by-products of agricultural production.

In Latvia the production resource – land is not exploited efficiently, and there is a large poten... more In Latvia the production resource – land is not exploited efficiently, and there is a large potential for land to be used in efficient agricultural production. National task is set for the next years in Latvia to retain agricultural land for agricultural production, in order to efficiently manage approximately 2 million ha. The agricultural sector is an important source of nitric oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Increasing agricultural production is expected to increase the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Latvia. Emissions depend on the specialization and the farm grown products. Quantifying emissions from different specialization farms can identify the main sources of emissions and make decisions to reduce them.

Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development, 2011

The specifics and problems of agricultural industry – dependency on climatic conditions, price fl... more The specifics and problems of agricultural industry – dependency on climatic conditions, price fluctuations, market inelasticity, high capital intensity, slow turnover of capital, irreplaceability and immobility of land as the main resource in agricultural production, low labour mobility, etc., have historically forced to implement various protectionism policies in this industry. Agriculture in European Union (EU) countries depends on the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Research aim: to investigate the specifics of agricultural industry that led to the implementation of protectionism policies in the world and to characterise the EU CAP, outlining its major features in the future. Research methods: scientific discussion, analysis and synthesis, as well as logical and constructive methods and statistical data analysis. Research results: CAP was designed in 1957 with the purpose of protecting and promoting agricultural development; it underwent several reforms, yet its share in th...

The small farmers play a key role in meeting the future food demand of the population and in the ... more The small farmers play a key role in meeting the future food demand of the population and in the economic and social development of rural areas. The European Union (EU) employs different methods to define small agricultural holdings and provides different information sources, hence, hindering the application of a single approach to fostering farm development in the EU Member States. Therefore, the aim of the present research is to analyse the historical background of formation of small agricultural holdings and their number in Latvia, based on various information sources. The country’s historical background determined the formation of private agricultural holdings in Latvia, since the independence was regained in 1991 after more than 50 years of collective farming under socialism, and the countryside, alongside with the land reform, needed also the management reform, i.e. both of the former constituting integral parts of the agrarian reform. The number of small holdings in Latvia di...

800x600 In Latvia, 98% of land is situated in the countryside. From the total area of Latvia, 46%... more 800x600 In Latvia, 98% of land is situated in the countryside. From the total area of Latvia, 46% of it comprises woodland and 38% is agricultural land . In 2006, 73% of agricultural land was arable land. Having investigated information from different state institutions’ data bases, such as State Land Service, State Forest Service, Rural Support Service and scientists’ data base, the essential quantitative differences were found. In Latvia, different institutions measure and record land areas differently. In this research paper, the author performs a comparative analysis of agricultural land and woodland in the four above-mentioned institutions’ data bases. Various quantitative and qualitative measurements were applied in the analysis of land. For example, the measurements for agricultural land were cadastral value and the estimate in points of land quality, for woodland – cadastral value and the price of land and their changes in the years 2000 – 2006. The price of land has substan...