Latvia's Rural Support Service Opens Applications for Nearly €60 Million in Farm Development Aid
Latvia's Rural Support Service (LAD) is accepting project applications until 9 December under several EU co-funded farm development measures. Total available funding is nearly €60 million.
Latvia's Rural Support Service (LAD) has begun accepting applications from farms for rural development aid. The money comes from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and Latvia's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for 2023–2027. Nearly €60 million is available in total, and for most measures projects can be submitted until 9 December.
Competitiveness investments
The largest pot, €30.507 million, is set aside for investments that improve farm competitiveness. The support targets small and medium-sized farms, aiming to improve their economic performance and encourage cooperation. Small farms are allocated €10 million and medium-sized farms €20.507 million. The sums are split among regions according to the locations of LAD's regional agricultural offices.
For small farms, Latgale receives the most (€2.908 million), followed by Vidzeme (€2.453 million), Kurzeme (€1.964 million), Central Latvia (€1.907 million) and Zemgale (€767,674). For medium-sized farms, Kurzeme has the largest allocation (€5.078 million), then Vidzeme (€4.557 million), Latgale (€4.164 million), Central Latvia (€3.613 million) and Zemgale (€3.095 million).
Climate and energy
A further €12.569 million is earmarked for measures that reduce greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions and help farms mitigate and adapt to climate change. The measure particularly targets horticulture and the shift to sustainable farming practices. Kurzeme can draw €3.113 million, Vidzeme €2.793 million, Latgale €2.552 million, Central Latvia €2.214 million and Zemgale €1.897 million.
Investments in renewable energy use and energy efficiency have €14.181 million: €7.181 million for biogas, €4 million for energy efficiency and €3 million for renewable energy production.
Other measures and conditions
Cooperative societies and cooperative associations can receive €2.128 million. Preventive investments for sheep and goat farms have €318,188 available, with applications accepted until 9 April 2027.
If a project involves only the purchase of production fixed assets, it must be completed within one year and six months of LAD's approval decision. If construction or reconstruction is included, the deadline is two years. Applications must be submitted via LAD's electronic application system (EPS).
